Differences between THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) and Iron Dome

Feature	THAAD	Iron Dome
Purpose	Designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.	Designed to intercept and destroy short-range threats, primarily rockets and artillery shells.
Operational Range	Up to 200 km (approximately 124 miles) for intercepting ballistic missiles.	Effective range of up to 70 km (approximately 43 miles) for intercepting incoming projectiles.
Altitude	Operates at high altitudes (up to 150 km or about 93 miles) to intercept missiles in their terminal phase.	Operates at low altitudes, intercepting threats in the lower atmosphere.
Deployment	Mobile system, can be quickly deployed to different locations.	Also mobile, but typically deployed in fixed positions near populated areas.
Development Country	Developed by the United States.	Developed by Israel.
Technology	Uses radar and kinetic interceptors to target ballistic missiles during ascent, midcourse, and terminal phases.	Utilizes advanced radar systems to detect and track incoming threats, launching interceptor missiles to destroy them in mid-air.
Cost	More expensive, with each THAAD battery costing around $800 million and individual interceptors costing around $100,000.	Lower cost per interceptor, with estimates around $40,000-$50,000 per missile.
Primary Users	United States, South Korea, UAE, and others.	Primarily used by Israel.
Operational History	First deployed in 2008; has been used in various tests and drills.	Operational since 2011; has successfully intercepted thousands of projectiles during conflicts.