Attack on Prince Sultan Air Base (March 27, 2026)

The attack on Prince Sultan Air Base was a military strike carried out by Iran against the Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts U.S. military elements in Saudi Arabia, using missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles as part of the war that began between Iran and the United States and Israel on 28 February 2026.

An E-3 Sentry aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base – (Social Media)

Course of the Attack and Military Casualties

On 27 March 2026 the base was targeted by at least one missile and multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. Among the struck targets was a building within the base, directly affecting the military personnel present inside the structure at the time of the attack.

As a result of the attack, 10 U.S. military personnel were injured, two of them seriously. It was reported that the injured personnel were inside the building that was hit during the assault.

U.S. aircraft stationed at the base also sustained damage. Multiple aerial refueling aircraft were reported to have been damaged, with some aircraft struck directly while on the ground.

Targeting of the Early Warning Aircraft

Information was shared indicating that an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft stationed at the base was also targeted. Open-source analyses suggest that the aircraft hit was the E-3C model with tail number 81-0005.

Videos verified by the BBC showed the aircraft suffering heavy damage, with its fuselage visibly broken apart. The footage was reported to have been taken at Prince Sultan Air Base, located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Riyadh.

Satellite imagery revealed fire marks near the base apron, which were assessed as likely linked to the attack.

Characteristics of the E-3 Sentry Early Warning Aircraft

The E-3 Sentry aircraft, reported damaged in the attack, is a strategic airborne platform used for airborne early warning and control missions.

According to U.S. Air Force data:

• It performs integrated command and control and battle management functions.
• It has the capability to detect, track, and monitor targets over a wide area.
• Its radar range exceeds 375 kilometers.
• It can monitor air and sea assets across a broad altitude range.
• Its crew capacity consists of four flight personnel and 13 to 19 specialist personnel.
• Its unit cost is estimated at approximately 300 million U.S. dollars.