US ‘flying radar’ plane destroyed in Iran attack

A significant U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry AWACS command and control plane was among the aircraft damaged in a missile and drone attack by Iran on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 27, according to sources familiar with the situation, as reported by Air & Space Forces Magazine.

The attack resulted in injuries to more than ten service members, with two suffering serious injuries. Additionally, several aerial refueling tankers were also damaged during the assault.

On Friday, missiles and drones launched by Iran reportedly struck the Prince Sultan Air Base, as detailed in a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Located approximately 96 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Riyadh, the Saudi capital, the airbase is operated by the Saudi Air Force but is also utilized by U.S. forces.

The attack specifically damaged multiple KC-135 tankers, which are responsible for refuelling U.S. aircraft in flight, as well as the E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, according to a report from Air & Space Forces Magazine, which focuses on U.S. air defense and national security issues.

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According to The Telegraph, which shared the image of the attack, the crucial early warning radar plane was among the aircraft damaged in an attack on the Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

The bombardment, comprised of Iranian missiles and drones, injured 12 US service personnel and damaged several planes, including an E-3 Sentry, an airborne warning and control system aircraft, according to The Wall Street Journal.

It is believed there are only 16 active E-3 Sentry aircraft used by the American military, and it costs the US around $500 million (around £370 million) to construct each one.

The aircraft helps manage battlespace and is capable of tracking drones, missiles and aircraft from hundreds of miles away.

They provide commanders with a real-time picture of the war and allows them to direct troops and equipment to intercept threats, according to military analysts.