Attack on US radar plane at Saudi base raises concern over Iran’s capabilities
Ukraine says Russian spy satellite had photographed base before strike, as Moscow accused of helping Tehran
TL;DR
- A US E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft was destroyed in an Iranian strike on a Saudi Arabian airbase.
- The attack occurred on March 27, 2026, at Prince Sultan airbase.
- Ukrainian intelligence claims a Russian spy satellite photographed the base three times before the attack.
- Reports suggest Moscow may be providing intelligence to Iran on US forces.
- The destroyed E-3 was one of 16 operational aircraft and had a mission-capable rate of about 56% in 2024 due to maintenance issues.
- Experts suggest Iran may be targeting key US airpower enablers, including radar systems and support aircraft.
- The strike also injured US servicemen and damaged several in-flight refuelling aircraft.