Iran struck a US reconnaissance aircraft.

As a result of Iran's attack on the Saudi Arabian airbase, a US military Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS reconnaissance aircraft may have been seriously damaged. The BBC reported on this.

 

According to BBC information, verified satellite images circulating online show the E-3 Sentry aircraft seriously damaged, even appearing to be split in two. The images were confirmed to have been taken at the "Prince Sultan" airbase, located approximately 100 km southeast of Riyadh.

 

Analysts emphasized that the objects in the images—poles, warehouses, and field markings—completely match satellite imagery.

 

So far, the US Central Command has not issued an official statement regarding the situation. 

 

Iran's Fars agency reported that a Shahed drone struck the E-3 aircraft. The BBC reported that satellite images taken on March 11 showed an E-3 aircraft at the airbase, but it is not yet clear if it is the exact same aircraft.

 

The E-3 AWACS aircraft is developed based on the Boeing 707 and, through the rotating radar on its rear, provides the capability to detect long-range targets. It is valued between $270 million and $300 million. It plays a crucial role in providing early warning and air combat control in military operations.

 

According to The Wall Street Journal, replacing the damaged Boeing E-3 Sentry (AWACS) aircraft with a new Boeing E-7 Wedgetail could cost up to $700 million.