U.S. Air Base in Qatar Attacked by Iranian Ballistic Missile, According to Pentagon's Revelation in June
In the early hours of June 23, 2021, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar experienced a ballistic missile strike, following U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites the previous day. Despite the attack, the base remained fully operational and capable of conducting its mission.
The missile breached the extensive defensive shields, striking the base and causing significant damage to a geodesic radome housing equipment crucial for secure communications and satellite links. The radome, which housed the Modernization Enterprise Terminal (MET), a $15 million communications suite, was destroyed, requiring likely full replacement. However, aside from the radome, the impact inflicted minimal damage to other equipment and structures on the base. There were no casualties reported.
U.S. and Qatari forces deployed Patriot missile air-defense systems, successfully intercepting the majority of the Iranian missile barrage. This engagement was described as "the largest single Patriot engagement in U.S. military history." U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine noted the intense missile activity, but did not disclose the exact number of interceptors fired. Qatari Patriot units also participated actively in the air defense.
The missile attack was a retaliation for the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites and marked an escalation that did not spiral into a broader regional conflict, in part due to prior U.S. and Qatari preparations and communication about the attack timing.
During the attack, most planes were moved away from the base, and it was evacuated, leaving only two Patriot batteries and approximately 44 American soldiers to defend the base. The U.S. had taken steps to mitigate potential damage should Iran or its proxy forces attack U.S. forces in the region.
President Donald Trump stated that 13 missiles were intercepted, and one missile was "set free" because it was not deemed a threat. Trump also stated that there were no Americans or Qataris killed or wounded in the attack.
This incident underscores the effectiveness of integrated air defense and the resilience of critical military infrastructure to missile threats in the region. The Al Udeid Air Base, hosting the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Air Forces Central, continues to play a vital role in ensuring regional security and stability alongside Qatari partners.
- The missile that struck Al Udeid Air Base on June 23, 2021, was part of an Iranian response to U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites the previous day.
- The geodesic radome at the base, housing critical secure communication and satellite links equipment, was destroyed during the attack, requiring likely full replacement.
- The U.S. and Qatari forces deployed Patriot missile air-defense systems during the attack, successfully intercepting the majority of the Iranian missile barrage, with Gen. Dan Caine noting the intense missile activity.
- The missile attack marked an escalation in war-and-conflicts, but did not spiral into a broader regional conflict, partly due to prior communication about the attack timing.
- In the event of an attack, the U.S. had taken steps to mitigate potential damage, moving planes away from the base and evacuating it, leaving only essential personnel to defend the base.
- President Trump reported that 13 missiles were intercepted during the attack, with one missile not deemed a threat and set free, and that there were no Americans or Qataris killed or wounded in the attack. This incident emphasizes the importance of integrated air defense and the resilience of critical military infrastructure in the face of missile threats, with Al Udeid Air Base continuing to play a crucial role in ensuring regional security and stability.
