Satellite images published by CNN show that in the first days of the conflict, Iran managed to launch a precision strike against key elements of US air defense in the Middle East, destroying or severely damaging THAAD radars in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
What US equipment was destroyed by Iran?
What were the consequences of destroying the AN/TPY-2 radar?
Where did Iran attacks on US equipment take place?
What was the value of the destroyed elements of US defense?
Tehran dealt the Americans a severe blow at the Muwaffaq Salti base in Jordan, where the AN/TPY-2 radar was operated, worth approximately half a billion dollars. Satellite photos show two huge craters right next to the installation, suggesting multiple hit attempts and the complete destruction of key US military equipment. Similar attacks have been reported at two bases in the United Arab Emirates, but the status of the AN/TPY-2 radar stations there remains unknown for now.
A costly waste of U.S. forces — and it's not just about money
— The AN-TPY/2 radar is the heart of the THAAD system, enabling the launch of interceptor missiles and being an element of a larger US air defense network. It also happens to be an extremely expensive piece of equipment. The loss of even one radar of this type would have major consequences for the entire operation in the Middle East, says NR Jenzen-Jones, a weapons expert quoted by “CNN”.
AN/TPY-2 radar stationRTX Corporation
It is also worth adding that the destruction of the AN-TPY/2 radar does not mean the complete shutdown of the THAAD system, but it significantly limits its capabilities in intercepting ballistic missiles. Radars of this type are also important because the Americans only have eight pieces of such equipment, so from a military point of view, each of them is virtually priceless – especially in the context of such a large operation as the US army is currently conducting in the Middle East.
