THAAD Radar Sites Hit in Jordan, UAE, and Qatar Amidst Conflict

Satellite Images Indicate Possible Damage to US-Linked Missile Defense Radars in Middle East​

Fresh satellite imagery suggests that radar installations associated with US-backed missile defense systems across the Middle East may have been struck during the early stages of the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Analysis reviewed by CNN indicates potential damage at military facilities in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. These sites are known to host radar infrastructure used for missile detection, which forms a key component of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system.

The THAAD system is designed to detect and intercept ballistic missiles during flight. Radar units linked to this system play a crucial role in identifying incoming threats such as ballistic missiles and drones.

Possible Strike at THAAD Radar Site in Jordan​

One of the most notable cases highlighted in the satellite analysis involves Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, where a US THAAD missile battery had reportedly been deployed.

Satellite imagery captured earlier this week shows two large impact craters close to a radar installation connected to the system. According to the report, each crater measures roughly 13 feet in diameter, suggesting that the site may have been hit more than once.

Radar equipment for the THAAD system is typically distributed across several large trailers measuring around 40 feet in length. Because of this configuration, disabling the radar network may require multiple strikes.

The THAAD battery had reportedly been stationed at the Jordanian base since mid February. Satellite imagery indicates that the site may have been hit sometime between March 1 and March 2.

Muwaffaq Salti Air Base is considered a significant operational hub for US forces in the region. Satellite images taken before the conflict began reportedly showed more than 50 fighter jets stationed at the base, along with drones and transport aircraft.

Satellite Imagery Shows Damage at UAE Locations​

Satellite analysis also identified signs of impact at two military sites in the United Arab Emirates, located near Ruwais and Sader.

Images indicate that several structures at both locations may have been struck between February 28 and March 1. At one site, three buildings appear to have sustained damage, while four structures show visible impact marks at the second location.

Some of these structures are described as vehicle sheds that are often used to store mobile radar systems linked to THAAD batteries. However, it remains unclear whether radar equipment was present inside the buildings at the time of the reported strikes.

Historical satellite images reviewed in the analysis show that THAAD systems had previously been deployed at both locations. Radar components were visible outside the sheds in imagery captured in 2016 and 2018.

Early Warning Radar in Qatar May Also Have Been Hit​

Separate satellite analysis suggests that an early warning radar installation in Qatar may also have sustained damage.

Imagery taken on March 3 reportedly shows signs of impact at a US made radar site located at Umm Dahal. The analysis was conducted by researchers from the James Martin Centre for Nonproliferation Studies.

A research associate who reviewed the images identified structural damage at the site. However, the full extent of the damage remains unclear based on the available imagery.

The radar installation is part of the regional early warning network designed to detect potential missile launches and provide advance alerts during missile threats.