Iran strike hits Saudi air base, damages E-3 AWACS aircraft, refueling tankers: Report

An Iranian missile and drone assault on March 27 targeted Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, injuring several US military personnel and damaging critical aircraft assets, including an E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) plane and aerial refueling tankers., according to a report by Air & Space Forces Magazine.

The report, citing sources familiar with the incident, said about 10 service members were wounded, with at least two sustaining serious injuries. The attack reportedly involved a missile strike on the base along with multiple drones.

A spokesperson for United States Central Command declined to comment. Early assessments suggest that several aircraft used for surveillance and refueling operations were impacted.

Prince Sultan Air Base is a key hub for US air operations in the Middle East, supporting missions ranging from intelligence gathering to aerial refueling and strike coordination. Aircraft such as the E-3 Sentry play a crucial role in airborne surveillance and command, while tanker planes are essential for extending the operational reach of combat aircraft in the region.

Saudi Arabia has previously intercepted several missiles fired near the base.

Thirteen US military service members have been killed since the conflict with Iran broke out, with seven killed in the Gulf and six in Iraq. More than 300 more have been wounded.

Iran’s government has not released an updated casualty toll, but a US-based activist group said on March 23 that around 1,167 Iranian troops had been killed and that the status of 658 troops was unknown.

With agency inputs