An Iranian attack destroyed a US Air Force E-3 Sentry radar aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about Washington’s ability to monitor threats from Iran. Analysts said the loss could weaken the United States’ long-range detection and control capabilities in the Middle East. CNN’s analysis of satellite images showed the aircraft’s tail broken and its distinctive radar dome collapsed on the ground.

Former US Colonel Cedric Leighton described the incident as a major blow to American surveillance operations, warning that it could complicate the control of combat aircraft and their defense against enemy missiles. The E-3 Sentry, part of the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), has long been a key component of US military intelligence, capable of monitoring up to 120,000 square miles of airspace. The US operates 17 such aircraft.

CNN confirmed the strike location through satellite imagery and reported that at least ten US service members were injured, though no fatalities occurred.