Iran claims it destroyed US missile tracking radar in Qatar

#BREAKING
IRGC Public Relations: The American radar FP132, with a range of 5,000 kilometers, stationed in Qatar with unique equipment designed for tracking ballistic missiles, was completely destroyed. pic.twitter.com/YfIjz2ypQG

According to the IRGC, the radar, used to detect ballistic missiles, has an operational range of approximately 5,000 kilometres. Al Mayadeen, an independent Arab media channel, reported that the AN/FPS-132 early warning radar is a key component of US missile defence infrastructure.

Among the targets of the Iranian retaliatory strikes was the FPS132 American radar stationed in a US base in Qatar, now completely destroyed.

The radar is used detect ballistic missiles, and it has a range of 5,000km.

The AN/FPS-132 has an estimated cost of approximately $1.1… pic.twitter.com/FsYTLL0Egz

First notified in 2013 by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, the system carries an estimated price tag of $1.1 billion. The IRGC described the strike as part of Iran’s broader response to the US-Israeli aggression earlier this week. Russia’s Sputnik news agency also shared footage of what it called a “precise and powerful strike”.

 

🔥IRGC reports destruction of US AN/FPS132 radar in Qatar, used for detecting ballistic missiles, in a precise and powerful strike pic.twitter.com/BLltTWdxmx

The FPS-132 radar provides early detection and precise tracking of ballistic missiles and air-breathing threats, while rapidly distinguishing between threat and non-threat objects. As a critical sensor for the Missile Defence Agency’s Ballistic Missile Defence System, it supports intercepts of ballistic missiles above the atmosphere, offers persistent wide-area coverage up to 360 degrees, and contributes to space surveillance.

BREAKING: A Qatari Defense Ministry official told Al Jazeera that an early warning radar in northern Qatar was targeted by an Iranian strike.

🔴 LIVE updates: https://t.co/Yyx7DNgpdl pic.twitter.com/5sN445Yi9M

Analysts say that if the IRGC claim is accurate, the destruction of the radar would not guarantee a reduction in interception rates but would decrease early-warning time, reduce system redundancy and place added pressure on remaining sensors. “Missile defence effectiveness depends on trajectory, saturation, decoys, and interceptor coordination; fewer long-range sensors narrow the reaction window,” experts said.

There was no independent confirmation of the IRGC claim.

According to information released by Iranian official sources, the Iranian forces have listed as targets:

Infographics: U.S. and Israel attack Iran; Tehran strikes back across Middle East #CGTNGraphicshttps://t.co/SApClDaWWl pic.twitter.com/uIYl0s2v0B

• Bahrain: Al-Juffair base, which is the Headquarters of the United States Fifth Fleet
• Qatar: Al Udeid Air Base, where the US radar system FP-132 is stationed.
• Kuwait: Camp Arifjan, Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, Mubarak Air Base
• United Arab Emirates: Al Dhafra Air Base, Jebel Ali Port, Fujairah Air Base
• Saudi Arabia: Prince Sultan Air Base, Tabuk Base, Khamis Mushait Base
Jordan: Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base
• Iraq: US base in Erbil

The IRGC stated that missile and drone operations are continuing and that further phases of the operation are underway. It also indicated that, in addition to military installations, other US government interests in the region fall within the defined operational scope.