A high-value US missile defense radar system was reportedly destroyed during the early days of the conflict involving Iran. Analysts say the loss could weaken surveillance and missile defense coverage in the Gulf region.
According to a report by Bloomberg, a US official confirmed that Iran targeted a radar system used to guide missile defense operations. The radar played an important role in detecting and tracking potential missile threats.
Commercial satellite images later supported the claim. The images showed damage to radar equipment located at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. The destroyed system was identified as the AN/TPY-2 Radar, which works with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) network.
The radar helps detect ballistic missiles at long distances. It also supports missile interceptors designed to destroy threats at very high altitudes. With the radar offline, the ability to monitor incoming threats could be reduced.
Data from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies shows that two strikes linked to Iran were reported in Jordan. These incidents took place on February 28 and March 3.
At first, officials believed the attacks were intercepted by defense systems. However, the confirmed destruction of the radar suggests at least one strike managed to reach its target.
Ryan Brobst, a defense expert, said the strike could be one of the most effective actions carried out by Iran so far. A successful hit on a THAAD radar can impact the wider missile defense network.
THAAD systems normally work together with other defenses, such as the Patriot Missile System. These systems protect important military sites from missile attacks.
With the radar destroyed, interception efforts may rely more on Patriot batteries. Experts note that PAC-3 interceptor missiles, used by Patriot systems, are already in limited supply.
Other defense infrastructure in the region has also faced damage. Earlier in the conflict, an AN/FPS-132 Radar in Qatar was reportedly damaged.
There have also been reports of strikes affecting satellite communication terminals in Bahrain.
In other related news also read Iran nuclear talks with European powers
Analysts say these incidents show how modern conflicts can target critical surveillance and defense systems. The reported strike highlights growing risks to key military infrastructure across the region.
