U.S. to send additional troops to Saudi Arabia to boost defenses against Iran

[James48]

9. Incredible.

The inclusion of a THAAD unit is a significant new development.

The attacks on the oil pipelines last month shows a lack of awareness or preparation by the Saudi air defenses- either lack of ability to operate (likely), or they just got caught not being prepared. But the drones sent by Iran also could have been shot down by less complex systems such as the Phalynx cannon system. More Patriots assumes a more threatening repeat of the earlier attack.

-or-
The Saudis May be thinking that Patriot missiles aren’t going to work for air defense.

THAAD is a system to defend against a longer range threat- it’s more of an anti-ballistic missile ( Think SCUD defense on steroids).

Only the USA, and South Korea currently have THAAD air defense systems in place. Using our THAAD in Saudi defense is a new level of commitment for us. And one that stresses our forces.