Iran is blowing up $500 million radars. China’s export bans mean they are gone forever.

by Inside China Business [3-16-2026].

The TPY-2 radars are part of the THAAD missile defense system, and identify and direct allied air defenses against inbound ballistic missiles.

In the early days of the war, Iranian forces targets the radars, knocking out at least four, across four countries.

Raytheon (RTX) is the Pentagon contractor for the TPY-2 radars, which cost $500 million each, and feature a Gallium-Nitride populated array.

China has a monopoly on the production of gallium, with 98% of the world's total. China also has export bans on its gallium to weapons makers, including Raytheon.

Closing scene, Nanjing museum and pagoda

Resources

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