In a recent airstrike on the U.S. military base Prince Sultan in Saudi Arabia, Iran reportedly destroyed an E-3 Sentry aircraft, marking a significant loss for the U.S. military. This incident, confirmed by Bloomberg, is noted as the first known combat loss of this type of aircraft.
The E-3 Sentry, valued at approximately $300 million, was targeted during the Iranian attack, according to sources familiar with the situation. Images circulating online show the aircraft with its tail completely severed, rendering it inoperable.
The E-3 Sentry, an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft, is equipped with a rotating radar dome on its fuselage, allowing it to detect distant threats and coordinate other military aircraft. While the U.S. operates over 60 of these planes and can absorb such losses, the destruction of one remains a notable setback due to its rarity and high cost.
The U.S. Central Command has yet to comment on the reported loss of the aircraft.
In the broader context, the attack on the Prince Sultan base resulted in injuries to 12 American service members, with two reported in serious condition. Additionally, several refueling aircraft were damaged during the strike.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated that Russia conducted satellite reconnaissance of the U.S. base in Saudi Arabia multiple times in the days leading up to the Iranian attack, which resulted in injuries to American personnel.
Last week, reports emerged suggesting that Iran may have downed an American F-35 fighter jet in the Middle East for the first time. Earlier this month, three U.S. F-15 fighters were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti air defense, although all six crew members managed to eject safely.
Iran's airstrike on the U.S. military base Prince Sultan resulted in the destruction of an E-3 Sentry aircraft, a significant loss for the U.S. military. The incident also caused injuries to American personnel and damaged additional aircraft.
Source: Bloomberg