The U.S. is sending one Patriot missile battery and four ground-based radar systems to Saudi Arabia, chief Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said.
Two more Patriot batteries and a THAAD missile defense system will be prepared to go later if needed, and the deployment will involve about 200 troops.
"This deployment will augment the kingdom's air and missile defense of critical military and civilian infrastructure,” Hoffman said, adding that the deployment adds to “an already significant presence of U.S. forces in the region.”
"Defense Secretary Mark Esper has also approved the possible deployment of additional troops, as well as two more Patriot batteries and a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, though no decision has been made to deploy the additional forces," the Hill cited Hoffman as saying.
