The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has taken a serious turn after Iran reportedly destroyed a key radar linked to the United States’ Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile defence system. The strike is being seen as a significant setback for Washington’s missile detection and interception network in the region.
According to reports citing US officials, the AN/TPY-2 radar, a crucial component of the THAAD system, was targeted at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan during the early days of the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.
Radar system worth $300 million destroyed
The radar, valued at approximately $300 million, plays a vital role in detecting and tracking ballistic missiles, helping guide interceptor missiles designed to destroy incoming threats in the upper atmosphere.
Satellite imagery analysed after the attack showed severe damage to the radar installation, including two large craters near the site, indicating that multiple projectiles may have struck the facility.
Strategic US base targeted
Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, located more than 800 kilometres from Iran, serves as a major operational hub for US forces in the region. Prior satellite images had shown more than 50 aircraft, including fighter jets, drones and transport planes, stationed at the base.
Analysts believe the radar was deployed at the base in mid-February, just days before hostilities escalated on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes against Iranian targets.
Role of THAAD missile defence system
The THAAD system is among the most advanced missile defence technologies operated by the US military. It is designed to intercept ballistic missiles during the final phase of their trajectory, high in the atmosphere, reducing the risk of damage on the ground.
Each THAAD battery typically includes six truck-mounted launchers, interceptor missiles, a radar unit and a command system, and costs around $1 billion to deploy.
Impact on regional defence network
With the destruction of the AN/TPY-2 radar in Jordan, analysts say Patriot air defence systems may now carry a larger share of the burden for missile interception in the area. However, Patriot systems are generally designed to counter shorter-range missile threats.
The United States currently operates eight THAAD batteries worldwide, including deployments in South Korea and Guam.
Growing concerns over missile defence vulnerability
Earlier in the conflict, reports also suggested that another US radar installation — the AN/FPS-132 early warning radar in Qatar — had suffered damage during an Iranian strike.
The latest attack highlights the increasing reach of Iran’s retaliatory capabilities and raises concerns about the vulnerability of US missile defence infrastructure across the Middle East as the regional conflict continues to intensify.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
