A THAAD Missile Defense Radar at a US Base in Saudi Arabia Damaged in Iranian Attack
According to a report by CNN on April 2, the latest satellite images show that a key U.S. radar at the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia was damaged during an Iranian attack on March 1.
The radar, designated AN/TPY-2, is a core component of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system. CNN previously reported that a tent housing the radar at the Prince Sultan Air Base was hit, but it could not confirm whether the radar was inside the tent at the time of the attack or if it was damaged. The latest images indicate that the radar has now been moved out of the tent and is placed outdoors. Its antenna shows signs of burning, and there are large sections missing.
The report states that Iran is attempting to weaken the U.S. capability to detect incoming missiles and drones by targeting the radar. Previously, Iran had also struck the AN/TPY-2 radar deployed in Jordan and the early warning radar stationed in Qatar.
The report mentions that the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, responsible for the THAAD program, has listed the cost of one AN/TPY-2 antenna as $136 million in its 2025 budget. Currently, the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Central Command have not responded to the attack on the radar at the Prince Sultan Air Base.
The AN/TPY-2 radar system at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia was damaged during an Iranian attack on March 1. Satellite images reveal that the radar has been moved outdoors and shows signs of damage, including burn marks. This attack is part of Iran's strategy to undermine U.S. detection capabilities for incoming missiles and drones.
- The AN/TPY-2 radar was damaged during an Iranian attack on March 1.
- Satellite images show the radar has been moved outdoors and has burn marks.
- Iran aims to weaken U.S. missile and drone detection capabilities.
- The radar is part of the U.S. THAAD missile defense system.
- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency has budgeted $136 million for a new AN/TPY-2 antenna.