A missile and drone offensive against Prince Sultan Air Base injured U.S. soldiers and hit aircraft critical to surveillance, air command and aerial refueling in the Middle East.
Public reports vary on the total number of injured, citing at least 10 and up to 12 people.
An Iranian attack with missiles and drones on the Prince Sultan Air base in Saudi Arabia on March 27 hit one of the most important centers of US air presence in the Middle East, injuring American soldiers. In addition to personal injuries, the offensive also damaged aircraft of high strategic value, including an E-3 Sentry AWACS and aerial refueling tankers.
Reports published so far differ on the total number of injuries. The Associated Press reported that the attack left at least 10 soldiers injured, including two seriously, while Reuters said 12 were injured, also with two serious cases. Air & Space Forces reported that the attack included at least one missile hit on the base as well as the use of multiple drones.
The severity of the incident is heightened by the fact that Prince Sultan Air Base serves as a central point for surveillance, command and refueling operations in the region.
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The damage to one E-3 Sentry attracts particular attention as it is an essential platform for airborne early warning, mission coordination and battlespace control. Tanker aircraft, which are crucial to keeping fighter jets and other aircraft operational for extended periods, were also damaged.
In practice, an attack of this type may temporarily reduce the ability of the United States to maintain a continuous air presence over sensitive areas in the Middle East.
The loss or unavailability of airborne command and refueling assets impacts mission planning, coordination between aircraft, and airborne duration.
The case also contradicts recent assessments by American officials of Iran’s offensive capability. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said a few days earlier that Iranian missile and drone launches had fallen by more than 90% since the conflict began on February 28.
Nevertheless, the March 27 attack shows that Tehran still has the means to attack US positions and strategic targets in the region.
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
Source and images: X @sentdefender | X @USAFCENT | USAF. This content was created using AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
