A web of sensors: How the US spots missiles and drones from Iran

Tracking Iranian missiles and drones requires a network of satellites and numerous radars on land, sea and air.

By: Aaron Brynildson, University of Mississippi, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 21, 2026

Words: 1,177

Last Updated: 1 hour, 36 minutes ago

By Aaron Brynildson, University of Mississippi

The global price of oil continues to skyrocket as Iran’s missiles and drones hit vital infrastructure in Arab Gulf states. Billion-dollar American radar systems have also been targeted and destroyed across the Middle East by Iran, seemingly degrading U.S. defenses.

U.S. military presence near Iran includes dozens of locations and tens of thousands of troops in harm’s way. This raises the question: If a missile is …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.