Satellite surveillance has revealed the deployment of an Iranian airborne early warning radar, Matla al-Fajr-1 (Dawn-1), near Port Sudan, on Sudan’s east coast overlooking the Red Sea. The Iranian-developed system is an advanced radar capable of tracking stealth targets with high precision, making it an important asset in modern military operations. The deployment of the radar in the strategically important region increases Tehran’s influence in the Red Sea area, raising concerns among international observers and neighboring states.

The Iranian-designed Matla al-Fajr-1 radar operates in the ultra-high frequency (VHF) range, which provides resistance to jamming and the ability to detect targets in challenging environments. Its design includes 12 waveguide antennas integrated with advanced data processing equipment housed in a mobile container. The system is capable of detecting objects at a distance of up to 300 kilometers and an altitude of up to 20 kilometers, outperforming many traditional radars. With the ability to simultaneously track up to 100 targets with precise classification and prioritization, the radar is a powerful tool for airspace monitoring.

The trailer-mounted radar’s mobility allows it to be quickly deployed to multiple locations, which is especially valuable in the volatile environment of Sudan. Advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems protect the station from jamming, ensuring reliability in modern combat scenarios. The deployment of such equipment near Port Sudan, a key port on the Red Sea, underscores Iran’s desire to consolidate control over important sea lanes through which much of the world’s trade passes.

OSINT specialists from Avia.pro confirm the discovery of the Matla al-Fajr-1 radar in the Port Sudan area, but it remains unclear whether it is under the control of the Iranian military or has been transferred to the Sudanese armed forces. Experts note that its characteristics - a range of 500 kilometers and a detection altitude of 20 kilometers - make the station an effective early warning tool capable of tracking aircraft and drones in a radius covering parts of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Yemen.