Recent verified images indicate that a US command and control aircraft, specifically the E-3 Sentry, was significantly damaged at a military airbase in Saudi Arabia. The well-documented photographs show the aircraft appeared to have split in two, sparking reactions across military circles.
These images were initially shared on a Facebook page focused on US military news and were confirmed to have been taken at the Prince Sultan air base, situated roughly 100 km southeast of Riyadh. Features visible in the photographs were corroborated through satellite imagery.
As of now, the US Central Command has not publicly commented on the incident, while a recent report indicated that 12 US personnel were injured in what is believed to be an Iranian drone strike on the base, with two of the injuries classified as serious. Reports suggest that additional US refueling aircraft may have also suffered damage.
Information from Iran's IRGC-aligned Fars news agency suggests that a Shahed drone was responsible for striking the E-3 aircraft.
Additionally, satellite imagery dated 11 March confirmed the presence of an E-3 at the same location. On Friday, another satellite image captured a fire at the air base, located about 1,600 meters from the damaged aircraft—though it's unclear if they are connected events.
The Boeing E-3 Sentry, known for its distinctive rotating radar disc, serves essential roles in tracking airborne threats and providing early warnings during combat operations. Despite entering service in 1977, it is projected to continue operating with the USAF until 2035.
As the situation evolves, the military community remains alert to implications for US presence and capabilities in the volatile region.
