Al Mayadeen, a Lebanese television channel known for its pro-Tehran stance, reported today that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched a "retaliatory strike" that destroyed an AN/FPS-132 radar complex at a US base in Qatar. Al Jazeera subsequently quoted a Qatari Ministry of Defense official who confirmed an early warning radar station in the country's north was targeted by Iran, though specific details remained undisclosed.

The AN/FPS-132 complex's transceiver station deployed in northern Qatar, as seen in a satellite image. Photo: Google Maps

The AN/FPS-132 is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar featuring two transceiver antenna faces. This design eliminates the need for a conventional radar's rotating mechanism. Each radar face covers a distinct airspace sector with a 120-degree azimuth, providing a total coverage of 240 degrees.

With a maximum tracking range of 4,800 km, the AN/FPS-132 radar is often called an "eye of god" for its role in providing early warnings of ballistic missile attacks. The United States operates a total of five such systems, primarily to detect intercontinental ballistic missiles launched from Russia or ballistic missiles fired from submarines in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, with trajectories aimed at US territory.

In 2013, the US Department of State approved a 1.1 billion USD deal to sell an AN/FPS-132 complex to Qatar, including spare parts and technical support. This system, positioned in northern Qatar approximately 55 km from the capital Doha, is capable of detecting missiles launched from Iran and Yemen.

Military experts suggest that while the complex belongs to the Qatari military, it is operated by US forces stationed in the country. The conflict analysis platform Clash Report asserted that this radar forms part of a broader US missile defense network designed to safeguard Middle Eastern bases from threats originating from Iran and its proxy armed groups, such as the Houthi.

The AN/FPS-132 station deployed by the US in Greenland. Photo: USAF

On the morning of 28/2, the US and Israeli militaries launched a joint offensive against Iran, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, alongside several high-ranking officials and generals. Israel named its offensive against Iran "Roaring Lion", a continuation of the "Rising Lion" operation during a 12-day conflict in 6/2025. The US Department of Defense, conversely, referred to its attack on Iran as "Terrifying Fury". Informed sources indicated that the attack had been "jointly planned by the US and Israel for many months".

In response, Iran promptly announced a retaliatory operation targeting Israeli territory and multiple US bases across Middle Eastern countries, claiming to have inflicted damage upon its adversaries. President Donald Trump, in a statement concerning the operation, warned that US military forces could face significant casualties in the ongoing conflict.

By Vu Anh (Based on Al Mayadeen, Al Jazeera reports)