US Radar Hit in Saudi Strike: New satellite pictures have brought fresh attention to a major Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. CNN reported that an Iranian attack on March 1 damaged a US AN/TPY-2 radar there and killed a US serviceman. Other recent reporting also says the base was hit on March 1 and that Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington was killed in that earlier strike.
The AN/TPY-2 radar is one of the most important parts of the US THAAD missile defence system. Its job is to spot and track ballistic missiles so they can be intercepted. Reports based on satellite images said the radar showed burn marks and heavy visible damage. The US Missile Defense Agency’s 2025 budget documents list an AN/TPY-2 antenna at about $136 million, which shows how valuable this equipment is.
INS Malwan Joins Navy to Boost Coastal Defence Against Underwater Threats
More Strikes on Same Base
Prince Sultan Air Base was hit again later in March. On March 27, an Iranian strike wounded at least 10 US service members, and Reuters later reported that the number was 12, with two seriously hurt. Recent reporting from AP, Reuters, and other outlets says this attack also damaged several American aircraft at the base.
Satellite images released after that strike showed major damage to a US E-3 Sentry aircraft. Large parts of the plane’s body appeared destroyed and its radar dome was seen separated from the aircraft on the ground. Images taken on March 29 also showed vehicles around the wrecked plane, reoprted Money control.
Reports said other aircraft, including more E-3 Sentry planes, refuelling tankers, and E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, were still parked out in the open. One E-3 was said to be less than 1,300 metres from the destroyed aircraft, which suggested that some assets had not been quickly moved into shelter after the attack.
Who Is Ruling Iran? IRGC Tightens Grip as Pezeshkian Is Sidelined
Other Radar Sites Under Pressure
The wider picture is also serious. Reporting reviewed by CNN said satellite imagery showed another THAAD radar system at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan was hit in early March. Defense News also reported that satellite imagery confirmed the AN/TPY-2 radar for a US THAAD battery at that Jordan base was struck and appeared to be destroyed, later confirmed by a US official.
