An Iranian strike on a Saudi Arabian airbase destroyed a US E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, raising concerns over Iran’s capabilities and US force protection. The attack occurred at Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh on March 27th, injuring up to 12 US soldiers, with two in serious condition.
Key Takeaways
An Iranian strike on a Saudi Arabian airbase destroyed a US E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, raising concerns over Iran’s capabilities and US force protection. The March 27th attack injured up to 12 US soldiers and damaged several refuelling aircraft.
- Iranian strike destroys US AWACS plane at Prince Sultan Air Base
- Up to 12 US soldiers injured in the attack
- Ukrainian president claims Russia supplied Iran with satellite images of the base
- Experts suggest targeted campaign against key enablers of US airpower
The destroyed E-3 Sentry was one of 16 operational aircraft, first produced in the 1960s. The plane carries sophisticated monitoring equipment that allows it to warn of airborne threats and surveil battle spaces. Images from the scene show a direct strike on the E-3’s radar dome, suggesting high accuracy.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Russia supplied Iran with satellite images of US military sites in Saudi Arabia and other locations before the attack. He stated that Russian satellites photographed Prince Sultan Air Base on March 25th, indicating imminent attack plans.
The E-3 Sentry is a critical asset for monitoring up to 600 targets over large areas. Experts suggest Iran may be targeting key enablers of US airpower as part of a deliberate campaign. The Pentagon has been retiring the ageing fleet and replacing them with Boeing E-7 Wedgetails.
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