A critical United States Air Force surveillance aircraft, the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), was damaged during an Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, in a major escalation of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to defence sources, the March 27 attack involved a combination of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting the strategic base, which hosts key US military assets supporting regional operations.
The E-3 AWACS aircraft—an essential airborne command-and-control platform used for tracking threats and coordinating air operations—was among several assets hit in the strike. The aircraft plays a pivotal role in providing real-time battlefield awareness, making its damage a significant operational setback for US forces in the region.
In addition to the AWACS jet, multiple aerial refuelling tankers were also damaged, underscoring the scale and precision of the attack. Early reports indicate that at least 10 US service members were wounded, with some sustaining serious injuries.
Prince Sultan Air Base, located deep داخل Saudi Arabia, serves as a vital hub for US air operations and intelligence missions in the Gulf. The base has been repeatedly targeted in recent weeks as tensions between Iran and US-led forces intensify.
The latest strike highlights growing vulnerabilities in high-value air assets, particularly as Iran increasingly deploys coordinated missile and drone attacks capable of penetrating air defence systems. Military analysts warn that damage to limited and ageing platforms like the E-3 fleet could significantly affect US situational awareness and command capabilities in the theatre.
US Central Command has yet to issue a detailed official statement on the extent of the damage, while the broader conflict—now spanning multiple countries—continues to intensify with repeated cross-border strikes.
Air and Space Forces Magazine
