29.03.2026 11:01
Iran targeted an E-3 AWACS early warning aircraft worth approximately $700 million belonging to the United States in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The critical system, known as the "flying radar," was reported to have been damaged. The attack is seen as a significant step that escalates tensions in the war, while also highlighting a notable development regarding the U.S.'s military operational capability in the region.
A significant development has occurred in the ongoing war between the US-Israel and Iran. It has been reported that high-value military assets belonging to the US were targeted in Iran's missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.
E-3 AWACS AIRCRAFT DAMAGED
According to US and regional sources, the attack damaged the E-3 Sentry AWACS early warning aircraft, valued at approximately 700 million dollars. It was also noted that refueling aircraft were damaged in the same attack and some US soldiers were injured.
The E-3 AWACS is known as a "flying command center" that scans the airspace over a wide area to detect enemy elements and direct fighter jets. The incapacitation of such an aircraft is considered a critical loss in terms of the US's operational capability in the region.
THE ATTACK IS SEEN AS A MAJOR ESCALATION
The attack is being interpreted as a demonstration of Iran's direct military capacity against the US and its allies. The strategic importance of the attack was heightened by the fact that Prince Sultan Air Base is one of the most important operational centers of the US in the Middle East.
Experts indicate that Iran has expanded the course of the war with attacks targeting bases and energy infrastructure in recent times.
THE WAR IS SPREADING TO THE REGION
In the war that began on February 28, Iran has started targeting not only US and Israeli targets but also bases in Gulf countries. At the same time, the conflict spread to a wider geography with the Houthis attacking Israel.
The US is reportedly increasing its military presence by deploying thousands of soldiers to the region, while the Pentagon is also evaluating possible ground operations.
US-ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON IRAN
While negotiations continue between the Tehran and Washington administrations, Israel and the US launched a military attack on Iran on February 28. In response, Iran attacked targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain, where US bases are located, in addition to Israel. In the US-Israel attacks, former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, along with many high-ranking officials, was killed.