IRGC Claims Destruction of U.S. AN/FPS-132 Radar in Qatar

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that it destroyed a U.S. AN/FPS-132 early-warning radar system stationed in Qatar during what it described as retaliatory strikes against American military assets in the region.

In a statement released Saturday, the IRGC said the long-range radar system, capable of detecting ballistic missile launches from distances of up to 5,000 kilometers, was “completely annihilated.” The system is considered a critical component of the U.S. regional missile defense architecture and was reportedly valued at approximately $1.1 billion, according to past U.S. defense cooperation reports.

The AN/FPS-132 provides tracking data to missile defense platforms such as Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and supports allied defense networks, including Israel’s layered shield built around Arrow 3, David's Sling, and Iron Dome.

Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. airbase in the Middle East, which Iranian officials have previously warned could become a target in the event of direct U.S. or Israeli military action against Iran.

U.S. officials have not immediately confirmed the IRGC’s claim. Analysts note that even if the radar were disabled, the impact would not translate into a fixed drop in interception capability. However, it could reduce early-warning time, weaken redundancy in the regional missile defense network, and increase pressure on remaining radar and sensor systems.