TAG: GS-3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: The US is planning to deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems in Israel to boost air security amid rising tensions with Iran. The move comes following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel and ongoing clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
EXPLANATION:
About the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems:
- THAAD is an acronym for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, a transportable, ground-based missile defence system.
- It is coupled with space-based and ground-based surveillance stations, which transfer data about the incoming missile and informs the THAAD interceptor missile of the threat type classification.
- THAAD is alarmed about incoming missiles by space-based satellites with infrared sensors.
- This anti-ballistic missile defence system has been designed and manufactured by the US company Lockheed Martin. South Korea is not the only country with the THAAD missile defence system.
- It has been previously deployed in the UAE, Guam, Israel and Romania.
Historical Background of the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict:
- The Israel-Hezbollah conflict is a complex and long-standing issue with deep historical roots and significant geopolitical implications. The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 was accompanied by the violent displacement of more than 750,000 Palestinian Arabs in the event known as the Nakba (catastrophe). Many of those who were displaced settled in south Lebanon.
- The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah (a Shia Islamist militant group based in Lebanon) dates back to the early 1980s.
- Hezbollah was formed in response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. Over the years, the group has received substantial support from Iran and Syria, both in terms of funding and military aid.
- Lebanon is a small country that borders Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west.
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- 1982: Israel invades Lebanon to expel the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
- 2000: Israel withdraws from southern Lebanon after 18 years of occupation. Even after Israel withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, disputes over border areas, such as the Shebaa Farms, have persisted. Hezbollah claims these areas as Lebanese territory, while Israel disputes this.
- 2006: A major conflict, known as the Second Lebanon War, erupts between Israel and Hezbollah, lasting 34 days and resulting in significant casualties and destruction on both sides.
Present:
- The conflict has seen a resurgence in recent years, particularly since October 2023, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel in solidarity with Palestinians following a major Hamas attack on Israel.
- It led to a significant escalation, with Israel conducting extensive airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and even killing Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
- Key events include:
- 2023-2024: Ongoing cross-border hostilities, with Israel targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure and Hezbollah retaliating with rocket attacks.
- 2024: Israel has been preparing for a potential ground invasion of southern Lebanon to create a buffer zone and ensure the safety of its border areas.
Iron Dome System of Israel:
- It is a ground-to-air defence system that comprises radar and interceptor missiles that are capable of tracking and neutralising any rockets or missiles fired towards targets in Israel.
- It was developed by the state-run Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries and was deployed in 2011.
- It is particularly useful in defending against rockets, artillery and mortars, as well as aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- The Dome has a range of close to 70 km and has three crucial components, Detection and Tracking radar, Battle Management and Weapons Control and the Missile Launcher.
VSHORADS Missile System in India:
- Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD) designed and developed indigenously by DRDO’s Research Centre Imaret (RCI),Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and Indian Industry Partners.
- VSHORADS missile incorporates many novel technologies including miniaturized Reaction
- The missile, meant for neutralizing low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges, is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor.
- This new missile equipped with modern technologies will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces.
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