$270M E-3 Sentry spy plane demolished by Iranian attack at Saudi air base
An American E-3 Sentry aircraft was destroyed during Iran’s attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to U.S. officials and newly released photos.
Images that circulated online and were verified by AFP show the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft torn in two after Friday’s missile and drone assault. The loss of the aircraft, which costs roughly $270 million, represents a major setback to the United States’ ability to monitor activity and detect incoming threats in the Middle East.
Retired Air Force Col. John Venable told The Wall Street Journal the destruction of the aircraft significantly impacts the U.S. military’s ability to track events in the region in real time.
“It’s a huge deal,” Venable said. “It hurts the US’s ability to see what’s happening in the Gulf and maintain situational awareness.”
Before Friday’s attack, the U.S. Air Force had 16 E-3 Sentry aircraft in service, with six stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base, according to Air & Space Magazine.
U.S. Central Command has not yet issued an official comment about the attack.
Twelve U.S. service members were reportedly injured when an Iranian missile and multiple drones struck the air base. At least two of the wounded service members are said to be seriously injured, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. and Arab officials.
Several U.S. refueling aircraft were also damaged in the attack. A senior U.S. official told Fox News that at least one KC-135 refueling aircraft was struck and caught fire.
The American air base has been targeted multiple times during Iran’s retaliatory attacks in the Gulf. Earlier this month, a previous strike damaged five refueling aircraft at the same facility.
Since the launch of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded and at least 13 have been killed, according to U.S. Central Command.
About Post Author
