Khaberni - American media reports revealed that an Iranian strike targeted a military base in Saudi Arabia, leading to severe damage to an E-3 Sentry early warning aircraft, as well as injuring American military personnel.
According to NBC News, citing U.S. officials, the specialized surveillance and early warning aircraft sustained damage during the attack that occurred on Friday at a facility located about 80 miles southeast of the capital Riyadh, in one of the most significant strikes targeting sensitive U.S. military assets in the region.
Experts noted that targeting this type of aircraft could affect the U.S. military's capabilities in detecting threats and managing air operations, and raises questions about Washington's readiness for a prolonged war, amidst escalating attacks and increasing pressure on U.S. military infrastructure in the Middle East.
The E-3 Sentry is one of the most important early warning and air command platforms in the U.S. arsenal, serving as a flying command and control center capable of monitoring and tracking air and sea targets over distances exceeding 375 kilometers, and coordinating combat operations in real-time. The aircraft relies on an advanced radar mounted above its fuselage, allowing it to comprehensively monitor the airspace and manage air battles, in addition to directing fighter jets and air defenses, in all weather conditions and over long durations up to 24 hours with aerial refueling.
This aircraft has a particular strategic significance due to its limited number; the United States only has about 20 of these aircraft in service, making any targeting of them have a direct impact on the efficiency of air operations. Experts believe that damage to them, along with aerial refueling aircraft, could reduce the U.S. forces' ability to perform extensive and sustained air operations, affecting the level of field awareness and battle management, especially in a complex and multi-front conflict as is the case in the Middle East.
Media outlets and social networking sites circulated photos said to be of the aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the attack, which took place on March 27, was carried out using ballistic missiles and drones, and caused damage to several American aircraft within the base, including the vital "E-3" aircraft, while circulated pictures showed significant damage to the rear part of the aircraft, where the rotating radar is located.
According to reports, the attack resulted in the injury of several American military personnel, some of them in serious condition, while estimates are still varied on whether the aircraft was completely destroyed.
