Iranian strike damages key US radar system in Saudi Arabia

A critical US missile defence radar was damaged in an Iranian attack on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base on March 1, according to newly released satellite imagery. 

The radar, an AN/TPY-2 system, is a core component of the United States’ high-end Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile interception system. The base, located in Saudi Arabia, has since faced multiple Iranian strikes, including a March 27 attack that hit an E-3 airborne early warning aircraft and a refueling tanker, wounding at least 10 US service members, CNN reports.

The March 1 strike appears to be part of a broader Iranian campaign targeting US radar and early warning capabilities in the Middle East. Analysts say the attacks suggest a deliberate effort to degrade Washington’s ability to detect and intercept incoming missiles and drones.

In addition to the damage at Prince Sultan Air Base, Iranian strikes reportedly destroyed another American AN/TPY-2 radar in Jordan, targeted military communications infrastructure, and damaged a Qatari early warning radar system valued at more than $1 billion.

Previous reporting by CNN indicated that a tent housing the radar at Prince Sultan Air Base had been struck, though it was unclear at the time whether the system was present or damaged. Updated satellite imagery now shows the radar — which is mounted on multiple mobile trailers — positioned outside the tent. The antenna bears visible charring and appears to be missing a substantial section.

The US Missile Defense Agency, responsible for the THAAD program, listed the cost of a replacement AN/TPY-2 antenna at $136 million in its 2025 budget documents.

The March 1 attack fatally wounded a US soldier assigned to the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command. In a statement, the US Army identified him as Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington of Kentucky and said he would be posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant.

A Pentagon spokesperson previously declined to comment on the reported targeting of radar systems, citing operational security concerns. CNN has also contacted US Central Command for further comment on the reported damage at Prince Sultan Air Base.

By Sabina Mammadli