Saudi Arabia Receives First Raytheon AN/TPY-2 High-Powered Air Defense Radar
Recently, Saudi Arabia received its first AN/TPY-2 high-powered air defense radar out of seven ordered from the United States under a $2.3 billion (RM9.48 billion) deal signed in 2020.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Recently, Saudi Arabia received its first AN/TPY-2 high-powered air defense radar out of seven ordered from the United States under a $2.3 billion (RM9.48 billion) deal signed in 2020.
The AN/TPY-2 air defense radar, developed by RTX (formerly known as Raytheon), features Gallium Nitride semiconductors, which provide broader surveillance capabilities and heightened sensitivity to threats.
This advanced semiconductor technology offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, weight, and energy output compared to traditional radio frequency-based semiconductors.
“The latest AN/TPY-2 air defense radar is in a class of its own, with Raytheon having implemented over 50 upgrades to the system,” stated a senior company official.
“These improvements will enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to defend itself from missile threats and significantly boost the detection capabilities of its defense fleet.”
With the delivery of the first AN/TPY-2 radar, Saudi Arabia is now awaiting six more units as part of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
The deal also includes 44 THAAD launchers, 360 THAAD missiles, and 16 fire control and communication units.
Capable of detecting targets at ranges between 870 km and 3,000 km, the AN/TPY-2 is among the most powerful long-range radars available today for tracking ballistic missiles.
It is integrated with the THAAD system, specifically designed to detect and track short-, medium-, and long-range ballistic missiles. Operating on the X-Band electromagnetic spectrum, the radar can “see” targets with greater clarity.
According to the radar manufacturer, the AN/TPY-2 has an exceptional track record in detecting all types of ballistic missiles, whether they are newly launched or descending towards their targets.
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) air defense system.
The long-range radar operates in both Forward-based Mode and Terminal-mode.
The United States began deploying the AN/TPY-2 radar in 2004, and by 2021, it was believed to have 12 units, some of which are stationed in the Middle East.
One such location is atop Mount Har Qeren in the Negev Desert, where the U.S. military is reported to maintain a secret facility known among military observers as “Site 512.”
This secret U.S. military facility, located just 32 km from the Gaza Strip, is primarily a long-range radar installation used to monitor ballistic missile launches by Iran or its proxy groups targeting Israel and other U.S. allies in the region.
The radar system at this site plays a crucial role in helping Washington and Tel Aviv detect ballistic missile threats directed at Israel. – DSA