West Asia continues to reel under intensifying hostilities as the United States and Israel carry out strikes on Iran, prompting strong retaliation from Tehran. Iran has reportedly targeted US military bases across Gulf nations and Israeli positions, further widening the scope of the conflict. In a significant development, Iran is said to have destroyed a key US surveillance aircraft, marking a major setback for American military operations.
According to international media reports, an E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft was struck by Iranian ballistic missiles while operating from the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The incident reportedly occurred on March 27, approximately 100 kilometers south of Riyadh. The aircraft, which plays a critical role in airborne surveillance and early warning, is believed to have sustained severe damage.
Reports indicate that 10 to 12 military personnel were injured in the strike, with at least two in critical condition. Visuals of the damaged aircraft have circulated widely on social media, and defense experts suggest the extent of destruction may render the aircraft beyond repair. However, the US Department of Defense has not officially confirmed the attack, leaving some uncertainty around the incident.
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is a strategic asset capable of monitoring vast airspace and detecting incoming threats such as missiles, drones, and enemy aircraft. Its reported loss could significantly impact US operational capabilities in the region. Additionally, the ongoing conflict is believed to have caused substantial damage to US military assets, including advanced aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II and F/A-18 Hornet, with total losses estimated to run into billions of dollars.