Verified pictures show that a US command and control aircraft has been destroyed at an air base in Saudi Arabia. The images, initially shared on a Facebook page covering US military news, reveal that the E-3 Sentry aircraft appears to be split in two.
These images were confirmed to have been taken at the Prince Sultan air base, situated approximately 100km (62 miles) southeast of Riyadh. Details visible in the photos—such as pylons and storage units—correspond with satellite imagery of the location.
As of now, US Central Command has not publicly commented on the incident. However, sources have reported that twelve US personnel sustained injuries from what is believed to be an Iranian military attack on the base, with at least two individuals injured seriously. Further reports indicated that multiple US refueling aircraft were also damaged.
On Sunday, Iran's IRGC-linked Fars news agency claimed that a Shahed drone was responsible for striking the E-3 aircraft. Additional satellite imagery taken on Friday appears to show a fire on the air base apron, located around 1,600m (5,200ft) east of where the damaged aircraft was found.
The Boeing E-3 AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) is a vital asset for tracking potential targets at long distances to provide an early warning of threats during combat. It has been operational since 1977 and is expected to continue serving until 2035.
