Radar and Fighter Jets Damaged, US Military Losses Reach Rp33 Trillion

Jakarta — The United States has suffered military equipment losses valued at nearly US$2 billion (approximately Rp33.7 trillion) amid its operations against Iran since Saturday, 28 February, according to estimates and data compiled by Anadolu. In its report published on Wednesday, 4 March, Anadolu noted that the major contributor to the cost is the US AN/FPS-132 early warning radar system at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, valued at US$1.1 billion (about Rp18.6 trillion). The system was hit by an Iranian missile strike last Saturday. Qatar confirmed that the radar was hit and sustained damage. On Sunday, 1 March, three F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets were lost due to a misfire incident by Kuwait’s air defence system. Although all six crew members survived, the aircraft were destroyed. Replacement costs are estimated at US$282 million (about Rp4.7 trillion). Then, in the opening strike on Saturday, Iran also hit the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Manama, Bahrain, destroying two satellite communication terminals and several large buildings. Open-source intelligence reports identify the targeted SATCOM terminal as AN/GSC-52B and estimated to be worth about US$20 million (about Rp337 billion), including placement and installation costs. Iran also claims to have destroyed components of radar AN/TPY-2 from the THAAD ballistic missile defence system (anti-ballistic missile/ABM), located at Al-Ruwais Industrial City, United Arab Emirates. Satellite imagery from open-source intelligence reports show the attack. The value of the radar components destroyed is estimated at US$500 million (about Rp8.4 trillion). If combined, Iran has damaged US military assets in the region valued at around US$1.902 billion (about Rp33 trillion).