A recent Iranian military strike has destroyed a vital U.S. defence radar in the Gulf region, significantly impacting American missile defence capabilities. The AN/TPY-2 radar, a core component of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, was valued at approximately 300 million dollars and was essential for detecting and intercepting high-altitude ballistic threats.
According to U.S. military sources, the strike took place at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base during the initial phase of the current conflict. Satellite imagery confirms that the radar and its supporting equipment, produced by RTX Corporation, were completely obliterated. The destruction of this radar reduces the effectiveness of the THAAD battery and shifts the burden of regional missile defence primarily to Patriot systems.
The Foundation for Defence of Democracies reported that Iran carried out two separate attacks on Jordanian territory: the first on 28 February and the second on 3 March. While partial interception prevented further immediate losses, military analysts remain concerned. Ryan Brobst, deputy director of the Foundation’s Center on Military and Political Power, commented, “Had this strike succeeded fully, it would have represented Iran’s most effective assault against a THAAD system in history.”
THAAD systems are specifically designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, providing capabilities beyond those of short-range Patriot batteries. The loss of the AN/TPY-2 radar compromises target acquisition and tracking, potentially accelerating the depletion of Patriot PAC-3 interceptors under sustained attacks.
The United States maintains eight THAAD batteries globally, including deployments in South Korea and Guam. Each battery is valued at roughly one billion dollars, with the radar component accounting for approximately 30 percent of the system’s total cost.
THAAD Battery Composition
| Component | Quantity | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel | 90 | Operate and maintain the battery |
| Truck-mounted Launchers | 6 | Each launcher holds 8 interceptors, total 48 |
| AN/TPY-2 Radar | 1 | High-altitude target detection and tracking |
| Fire Control & Communications | 1 | Coordinates system operations |
Lockheed Martin produces the interceptor missiles, each valued at approximately 13 million dollars. Additionally, an AN/FPS-132 radar stationed in Qatar was damaged during the early stages of the conflict; this radar primarily supports long-range threat detection rather than direct interception.
The Gulf region’s U.S. defence infrastructure is under heightened pressure from a combination of Iranian drone and missile activity. On Friday, the White House held an emergency meeting with defence contractors, including Lockheed Martin and RTX Corporation, to accelerate replacement production. Experts warn that these attacks may have lasting implications for U.S. regional defence and strategic readiness.