The missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base injured US soldiers and hit aircraft that play a key role in surveillance, air control and aerial refueling in the Middle East.
Public reports differ as to the number of injured people, at least 10 and as many as 12.
On March 27, Iran attacked Saudi Arabia with missiles and drones Prince Sultan air base, one of the United States’ most important air operations centers in the Middle East, and American soldiers were also injured in the strike. In addition to personal injuries, the attack also damaged aircraft of high strategic value, including an E-3 Sentry AWACS plane and aerial refueling aircraft.
The reports published so far differ on the total number of injured. According to the Associated Press, at least 10 soldiers were injured, two of them seriously, while Reuters reported 12 injured, including two seriously. The Air & Space Forces reported that at least one missile hit the base during the attack, and several drones were also deployed.
Adding to the seriousness of the incident is the fact that Prince Sultan Air Base is being used as a central location for surveillance, command and resupply operations in the area.
The E-3 Sentry its damage is particularly noteworthy since this platform is vital for early air forecasting, mission coordination, and battlefield control. In addition, refueling aircraft, which are essential for fighter jets and other air assets to remain deployed for longer periods of time, were also damaged.
In practice, such an attack could temporarily reduce the ability of the United States to maintain a continuous air presence over sensitive areas of the Middle East.
The loss or outage of airlift and refueling capabilities affects operational planning, coordination between aircraft, and air time.
The case also contradicts recent assessments of Iran’s offensive capabilities by US authorities. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said a few days earlier that Iranian missile and drone launches had dropped by more than 90% since the conflict began on February 28.
Still, the March 27 attack suggests that Tehran still has the means to target American positions and strategic targets in the region.
Source and images: X @sentdefender | X @USAFCENT | USAF. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and verified by the editors.
Pictures show the total loss of 81-0005, an E-3G “Sentry” Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft with the U.S. Air Force’s 552nd Air Control Wing based out of Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, following yesterday’s Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack on Prince… pic.twitter.com/NNnILybnrU
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 29, 2026
