US Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) and tanker aircraft hit by Iran

US Forces Targeted in Iranian Attack on Saudi Air Base

Reports indicate that an Iranian missile and drone attack hit the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday. The airbase, approximately 96km southeast of Riyadh, is used by both the Saudi air force and US forces. According to media reports, the attack damaged multiple KC-135 tankers and an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft.

At least 15 American soldiers were wounded in the incident, with five reported to be in serious condition. The US military and Saudi Arabia have not commented on the incident. Satellite images published by Iran’s English-language news channel Press TV showed destruction of several aircraft at the airbase after the Iranian strikes.

Iranian forces reportedly fired missiles and drones towards Israel on February 28, prompting a swift response from Tehran. In the past month, Iranian attacks have targeted US assets in Gulf countries, including radar systems, a THAAD missile defense system, and Reaper drones. The Al Udeid base in Qatar, where US forces are stationed, was also attacked.

The E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft is critical in managing a battle space and tracking drones, missiles, and aircraft from hundreds of kilometers away. The incident has raised concerns about the impact on US situational awareness and air defense capabilities.

Source: Al Jazeera