The United States has suffered another major loss! On April 3, foreign media reported that satellite imagery confirmed Iran's attack had damaged the U.S. AN/TPY-2 radar at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. This radar is a critical component of the THAAD missile defense system. Images show clear signs of charring and structural damage to the radar. The radar alone is worth approximately $500 million.
For the United States, this is far more than just the destruction of ordinary equipment—it represents a precise "eye-gouging" strike by Iran against the U.S. missile defense infrastructure in the Middle East. As the 'eyes and command center' of the THAAD system, the AN/TPY-2 is responsible for long-range early warning, tracking ballistic missiles, and guiding interceptors. After its antenna array was severely damaged, the entire THAAD system is effectively rendered inoperable. Even more troubling for the U.S. is that Prince Sultan Air Base serves as a central hub for U.S. military operations in the Gulf region.
Now blinded, the U.S. military will have drastically reduced time to detect incoming Iranian missiles and drones, directly leading to higher casualties should Iran retaliate. Frankly, the problems exposed by the United States in this conflict are mounting. Such sophisticated equipment is being destroyed with alarming ease—and repeatedly. America’s situational awareness capability has undoubtedly plummeted. If the U.S. continues to launch ground operations under these conditions, its casualties are likely to surge dramatically.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861413133811018/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author.