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Air defense in the Middle East by the United States and its Allies

The Middle East is currently at the heart of an unprecedented strategic and military transformation, reshaping global and regional security concepts. Between 2023 and 2026, following a chain of events that began with the Iron Swords War in October 2023 and culminated in the Twelve Days War between Israel and Iran in June 2025, the force deployment doctrine of the United States and regional countries has completely changed. The widespread proliferation of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies has forced the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) to shift from a doctrine of static presence and war on terror to a dynamic readiness for high-intensity conflict against a sovereign state with an advanced missile arsenal.

This research maps chronologically, technologically, and geographically the deployment of defense batteries and radars in the Middle East, with a clear distinction between assets belonging to the US military and sovereign assets acquired by countries in the region. The research integrates Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analysis based on satellite imagery, allowing for an accurate picture of battery and radar locations to prepare detailed geographic maps of the regional defense architecture by country.

Infographic map of US and allied air-defense batteries and radar sites across the Middle East based on OSINT.

Technological Architecture: The Systems Shaping the Airspace

To understand the significance of the various deployments, the technological characteristics of the leading defense platforms must be examined:

  • THAAD System: The upper defense layer of the US Army for intercepting short, medium, and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles in the final stage of their flight (inside or outside the atmosphere) using Hit-to-Kill technology. The operational range of the interceptor is about 200 kilometers.

  • Patriot System: A lower defense layer designed to deal with a wider variety of threats, including aircraft, cruise missiles, UAVs, and tactical ballistic missiles.

  • M-SAM-II (Cheongung-II) System: A South Korean medium-range defense system capable of intercepting aerodynamic targets and short-range ballistic missiles.

  • Barak 8 (Barak MR) System: An advanced air defense system manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It is designed to intercept a wide variety of aerial threats, including cruise missiles and UAVs.

  • SPYDER System: An Israeli air defense system manufactured by Rafael (in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries, which manufactures the radar). The system uses heat-guided Python 5 air-to-air missiles and radar-guided Derby missiles, converted for ground launch. The purpose is to protect strategic facilities from aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and guided munitions at short to medium ranges.

  • Skyguard – A veteran Swiss fire control system by the Rheinmetall corporation. The system is a cabin containing radar and optical means. It is linked to two or more 35mm rapid-fire anti-aircraft guns, locating enemy aircraft and automatically aiming the guns.

  • Pantsir-S – An advanced and mobile Russian point air defense system, the system includes both fast surface-to-air missiles and twin 30mm anti-aircraft guns, all mounted on a single heavy truck that also carries the radar. It is designed to protect strategic facilities and airfields from attack aircraft, helicopters, precision-guided munitions, and suicide UAVs.

  • Silent Hunter – An innovative Chinese air defense system based on a laser weapon with a power of about 30 to 100 kilowatts. The system is specifically designed to deal with small, slow, and cheap threats flying at low altitudes, mainly against multi-copters and UAVs.

  • Shahine – A mobile air defense system developed in France in the 70s and 80s, specifically for the Saudi army. This is actually a heavy and improved version of the familiar French Crotale missile system. The system is mounted on the chassis of French AMX-30 tanks to adapt to desert conditions and provide high mobility along with armored forces. Its purpose is air defense for short ranges against aircraft and helicopters flying at low altitudes.

  • HAWK (MIM-23 HAWK) – An obsolete system, one of the most familiar and veteran air defense systems in the world, manufactured by the American company Raytheon. A medium-range surface-to-air missile system based on semi-active radar homing.

  • Radars and Fire Control: The component that connects all these interception systems into a unified network is the radar array, centered around the AN/TPY-2 early warning radar manufactured by the American company Raytheon, which serves the THAAD batteries. This mobile radar, operating in the X-Band frequency, is considered one of the most advanced in the world. In addition, the Patriot network relies on advanced fire control radars such as the AN/MPQ-53 and AN/MPQ-65, integrated into various bases in the region. Furthermore, the Israeli EL/M-2084 radar (the radar of Iron Dome and Barak 8) is used by the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has built an entire system of radars protecting the kingdom, dozens of radar systems – including 17 long-range AN/FPS-117 radars. The combination of these systems creates an overlapping architecture ensuring that if one facility falls or is attacked, data will still flow through the network’s command and control center from alternative sites.

Deployment of Interception Systems and Radars: Geographic Analysis by Country

The Middle East arena has become the main focus of the American deployment in the period before the war with Iran, with an emphasis on defending the airspace. Direct American involvement in regional defense reached unprecedented peaks, testifying to the severity of the threat posed by Iran.

Israel

Direct American involvement in defending Israel reached unprecedented peaks given the missile threat from Iran:

  • American THAAD Batteries: 1-2 American THAAD batteries were stationed in Israel in the Kiryat Gat area.

  • Radar Array: Israel has 2 AN/TPY-2 radars: an older one at Mount Keren in the Negev (Site 512), and the second south of Kiryat Gat. Additionally, there is the American radar facility in Dimona, with massive 400-meter antenna towers designed for a particularly long detection range.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia manages the most ambitious sovereign procurement program in the region for missile defense systems:

Air defense systems around Riyadh and Prince Sultan base
Air defense systems in western Saudi Arabia and on the border with Yemen
Air defense systems in eastern Saudi Arabia on the shores of the Persian Gulf

  • Saudi and American THAAD Array: As of today, there is only one Saudi THAAD battery that has been declared operational in Jeddah. The data point to the deployment of THAAD launchers and AN/TPY-2 radars under American control at Prince Sultan Air Base as well. Saudi Arabia signed a huge deal in 2017 to purchase 7 THAAD batteries. The remaining ordered batteries are expected to be delivered gradually by 2028.

Satellite view of the AN/TPY-2 radar of the THAAD air defense system at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
AN/TPY-2 radar of the THAAD system at Prince Sultan Air Base

  • The Patriot Array: The Saudi array is considered one of the most active in the world, Saudi Arabia has deployed Patriot batteries in the capital Riyadh, at Prince Sultan Air Base, as well as a dense air defense chain along the tense border with Yemen from the south, aiming to block ballistic missile fire and Houthi UAV launches towards Saudi energy facilities and infrastructure. The array includes 16 Patriot sites under Saudi control (including Prince Sultan, Abqaiq, Riyadh, Najran, Al-Qatif, Yanbu, Shuqaiq, Jeddah and more) and 4 launch sites under US control.

  • Shahine System: The Shahine air defense system is a unique and mobile Saudi version of the French Crotale system, developed specifically for the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces in the 80s. The Saudis deployed several such systems to protect the country

  • Hawk Systems: A wide national deployment of 16 batteries under Saudi control in central cities and strategic bases (Tabuk, Hafar Al-Batin, Dhahran, Yanbu, Jeddah, Riyadh, Ras Al-Khair, Al-Kharj, and more).

  • Laser Defense – Silent Hunter: Saudi Arabia’s innovative approach to the UAV threat is reflected in the deployment of 9 Silent Hunter laser interception systems made in China, deployed in Riyadh, the Petro-Rabigh complex, Jazan, Hafar Al-Batin, Dhahran, Abha and Jeddah.

Silent Hunter system in Saudi Arabia

  • Saudi Arabia holds 17 AN/FPS-117 systems along the country’s borders as part of the Peace Shield project. Another 8 mobile AN/TPS-70 radars complement the array. Additionally, 28 AN/TPS-63 batteries designed to detect low-flying targets (like cruise missiles and UAVs), and AN/TPS-43 batteries, obsolete versions of the Hawk system.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates was a pioneer in advanced technological procurement and possesses an independent multi-layered defense array:

  • THAAD Array: The first foreign country in the world to purchase THAAD (in 2011). It operates two sovereign THAAD batteries including AN/TPY-2 radars around Abu Dhabi (with an emphasis on Al Dhafra Base) and Al Ruwais.

  • The Patriot Array: There is an array of 9 Patriot positions controlled by the Emirates (including at the Barakah nuclear reactor, Dubai, Fujairah and more) and 2 Patriot batteries under US control at Al Dhafra Base along with AN/MPQ-65 radars.

  • Israeli Systems in Emirates Territory: Alongside Barak-8 stationed at Al Dhafra Base, which includes the advanced EL/M-2084 early warning radar manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, the same radar used by the Iron Dome system in Israel, the Emirates also integrated the SPYDER system in the Al Ruwais area.

Map of air defense systems in the United Arab Emirates
Map of air defense systems around Abu Dhabi

  • Integration of the M-SAM-II System: In order to diversify its procurement sources, the Emirates integrated the South Korean interception system and its MFR radar, stationed at the Baniyas military camp and Al Dhafra base.

  • Point Defense – Pantsir-S and Laser Systems: To complete the lower layer, the Emirates deployed 6 Russian Pantsir-S batteries (in the Barakah reactor area, Qusahwira base, Zayed Military City, and Al Ruwais) and a Skyguard laser defense system at Al Minhad base.

  • The United Arab Emirates operates 3 more mobile AN/TPS-70 radars and 2 more mobile AN/TPS-63 radars, the United States operates another AN/TPS-75 radar at Dubai International Airport

Jordan

Jordan has become a growing strategic anchor for the employment of US force in the region, following the deployment of aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base.

Air defense systems at Muwaffaq Salti base in Jordan

  • THAAD Battery: The US deployed in eastern Jordan at Muwaffaq Salti base many fighter squadrons, including F-15E, F-16, F-35 stealth fighters, and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft), in an exceptional force size that required an offensive-defensive umbrella. A THAAD battery was deployed at the base by the United States, including an AN/TPY-2 radar.

  • Patriot Batteries: A Patriot battery has been located at the base since at least 2024, and recently an additional Patriot battery was deployed, both under United States control:

Satellite view of a fenced desert site with berms, looping dirt roads, square pads, and several small buildings.
Patriot at Muwaffaq Salti base - Credit: Apple Maps
Top-down view of a desert site with red labels for THAAD Launcher, AN/TPY-2 Radar, and support areas.
Patriot at Muwaffaq Salti base - Credit: MizarVision Satellite

  • Systems under Jordanian control: 11 Hawk batteries deployed in Amman, Mafraq, King Abdullah II base, Prince Hassan base, H-4 base, Muwaffaq Salti and Aqaba. 

Qatar

The nature of the deployment in Qatar:

  • The Patriot System: At Al Udeid Base, serving as the most important forward headquarters of the US Central Command in the Middle East, there are two Patriot batteries operated by Qatar and two Patriot batteries operated by the Americans. In parallel, Qatar operates 4 more Patriot batteries 

Deployment of defense systems in Qatar
Deployment of defense systems around Al Udeid base in Qatar

  • The US operates several strategic radars: an AN/TPY-2 radar, an A/N FPS-132 Block 5 SSPARS radar, and also an AN/TPS-75 radar at Al Udeid base 

A/N FPS-132 Radar in Qatar. Credit: Google Maps

Kuwait

Kuwait, which holds a historic role as a logistical hub for American forces, maintains a combination of American forces and a renewing national defense array:

  • The Patriot System: According to data, Kuwait maintains almost absolute independence in its Patriot defense with 7 batteries under its control, while the US sent one Patriot battery at Ali Al Salem base.

Bahrain

As the home of the United States Fifth Fleet, Bahrain operates 2 Patriot batteries, one of them at Isa base while the United States sent an additional Patriot battery to Isa base. Bahrain also operates 2 Hawk batteries. The United States operates an AN/TPS-75 radar at Bahrain International Airport. Additionally, Bahrain operates an AR-327 radar at Jebel ad Dukhan, near Sakhir Air Base.

Deployment of defense systems in Bahrain

Iraq and Turkey

  • Turkey: The United States maintains an AN/TPY-2 radar at the Kürecik base known as “Site K”, providing early warning, detection, and tracking of Iranian ballistic missiles for Israeli-American-British forces in the Middle East.
  • Iraq: The United States maintains a Patriot battery to defend the American base in Erbil
  •  
The Patriot system in Erbil, Iraq
Top-down satellite view of a fenced hilltop compound with green and white roofed buildings and round tanks.
AN/TPY-2 radar at Kürecik base. Credit: Google Maps

Horn of Africa (Djibouti and Puntland)

  • Puntland (Somalia): Deployment of a French GM-403 radar at Bosaso Airport operated by the United Arab Emirates to collect intelligence on Houthi threats from Yemen.
  • Djibouti: Camp Lemonnier, the only permanent US base in Africa containing about 4,000 soldiers and civilians. Contains an AN/TPS-78 radar under American control, and at the Chabelley Air Base west of it, which has become a central and secret hub for US drone operations in the Horn of Africa in recent years, hosts a Patriot battery under US control, against the missile and UAV threat of the Houthi movement from Yemen.

Strategic Summary

The air defense architecture in the Middle East is undergoing a process of dual evolution. On the one hand, the US military disperses its assets in specific anchor points with an emphasis on survivability and mobility (such as the THAAD deployments in Jordan and Israel, and the mobile Patriot in Qatar and Bahrain around F-16 aircraft). On the other hand, regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates invest enormous capital in achieving sovereign security independence. This trend relies on more encouraging interception data against Houthi threats since 2020 in the Saudi sphere, and breaks traditional geographical boundaries in the form of deploying active radars of the Emirates in the heart of the Horn of Africa (Bosaso), and American radar and Patriot in Djibouti. The deployment map today no longer reflects passive defense, but a complex and glocal network, trying to cope with full intelligence transparency from the enemy on OSINT networks.

About the Author

Or Fialkov is an independent researcher and respected expert in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), military history, terrorism, and artificial intelligence technologies. With a rich background in analyzing combat systems, he combines events of the past with digital tools of the future.

 

Or Fialkov wearing sunglasses and a black jacket in front of a concrete wall

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