An ageing Iranian fighter jet reportedly evaded one of the United States’ most advanced air defence systems and carried out a strike on a key military base in Kuwait, according to an investigative report by NBC News.

The report claims an Iranian Northrop F-5 aircraft — originally designed in the late 1950s — penetrated defences and bombed Camp Buehring by flying at low altitude and exploiting radar blind spots.

Citing US officials and sources familiar with classified briefings, the report said the incident exposed potential vulnerabilities in the MIM-104 Patriot, which is primarily designed to intercept missiles rather than low-flying aircraft.

The F-5, introduced in the 1970s as an upgraded variant, was originally sold to Iran before the 1979 revolution. Estimates suggest Tehran still operates several dozen of the aircraft and has developed indigenous variants based on the platform.

Military analysts say the incident highlights how older-generation jets, when used tactically, can challenge modern defence systems. They also warn that layered air defence may struggle against low-altitude or coordinated multi-vector attacks.

The report further noted that multiple US installations across the Gulf — including logistics hubs, radar systems and communication centres — have been targeted during the ongoing conflict. Damage assessments remain unclear, though estimates suggest losses could run into billions of dollars.

The Pentagon has not released an official comprehensive damage report, and independent verification of the claims remains limited.

Experts say the development raises broader questions about assumptions underpinning modern warfare, particularly the reliance on advanced missile defence systems to fully protect critical military infrastructure.