Iranian Missile Strike Destroys U.S. E-3 Sentry at Saudi Airbase
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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — A United States Air Force E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft was destroyed in an Iranian missile attack at Prince Sultan Airbase early Saturday, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.
The strike occurred at 1:42 a.m. local time on March 29, 2026, as the aircraft sat on the tarmac. The E-3 Sentry, commonly known as the AWACS, is a critical asset for command and control, radar surveillance, and battle management. The destruction of the aircraft represents a direct hit on a high-value U.S. military target on Saudi soil.
Prince Sultan Airbase, located approximately 60 kilometers northeast of Riyadh, is a key strategic hub for coalition operations in the Middle East. The base has long hosted U.S. and allied forces, serving as a forward operating location for air defense and intelligence gathering. The attack has raised immediate concerns about the security of allied military installations across the Gulf region.
Iranian officials have not yet issued a formal statement claiming responsibility for the strike, though the timing and nature of the attack align with recent escalations in the region. U.S. officials confirmed the loss of the aircraft but have not released details regarding casualties or the extent of damage to surrounding infrastructure. The Pentagon is currently assessing the situation and coordinating with Saudi authorities.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and U.S.-backed forces in the Middle East. Recent months have seen a series of proxy attacks and retaliatory strikes across the region, including missile launches from Yemen and drone incursions into Saudi airspace. The destruction of the E-3 Sentry marks the first time a U.S. strategic aircraft has been destroyed on the ground in the region in recent history.
Saudi Arabia has maintained a delicate balancing act in the region, hosting U.S. forces while seeking to de-escalate tensions with Iran. The attack at Prince Sultan Airbase challenges that strategy and raises questions about the kingdom’s ability to protect its airspace and military assets. Saudi defense officials have not commented on the effectiveness of their air defense systems in intercepting the incoming missiles.
The U.S. military has not announced any immediate retaliatory measures, though the loss of the E-3 Sentry is expected to influence future strategic planning. The aircraft’s capabilities in radar surveillance and command coordination are difficult to replace quickly, and its destruction could impact ongoing operations in the region.
As of Saturday morning, the situation remains fluid. U.S. and Saudi officials are conducting a joint assessment of the attack, and the international community is watching closely for further developments. The incident has reignited concerns about the potential for a broader conflict in the Middle East, with diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further escalation.
Questions remain about the origin of the missiles, the number of warheads involved, and whether additional U.S. or allied assets were targeted. The full scope of the attack and its implications for regional security are still being determined.