Iranian Strikes Disrupt U.S. Defenses: Destruction of Advanced Radars Could Cost Washington Billions and Take Years

Report Reveals Major Damage to U.S. Air Surveillance Systems in the Gulf; Rebuilding Faces Technical Challenges and Shortage of Rare Minerals

NYN | Reports and Analyses

The American magazine Foreign Policy revealed that Iranian strikes targeting U.S. military bases in the Gulf region caused severe damage to advanced defensive radar systems, placing Washington before a long-term challenge in restoring its ability to monitor the regional airspace.

According to an investigation published by the magazine, the value of the radars that were destroyed exceeds $1 billion, while estimates indicate that replacing these sophisticated systems will not be quick, as rebuilding and bringing them back into operation could take years.

Destruction of a Strategic Radar at Al Udeid Base

The report explained that Raytheon may need five to eight years to build a new AN/FPS-132 radar to replace the one destroyed at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, at an estimated cost of about $1.1 billion.

This type of radar is considered a highly advanced strategic system designed for early warning and long-range airspace surveillance.

Replacement Radar in Bahrain Within Two Years

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin expects that a replacement AN/TPS-59 radar in Bahrain could be completed within one to two years, at an estimated cost ranging between $50 million and $75 million.

Rare Metals Dilemma

The report noted that the U.S. defense industry faces an additional challenge: a shortage of the rare metal gallium, a key element used in manufacturing advanced radar systems. China controls the largest share of its global supply, which could slow production and prolong the replacement of damaged systems.