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Iran strikes reportedly damage US AWACS and tankers at Prince Sultan base

Iran launched missiles and drones that reportedly hit Prince Sultan Air Base, damaging an E-3 AWACS and several tanker aircraft as part of a month-long campaign against US assets across the Gulf.

Mar 29th 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • Iranian missiles and drones reportedly struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, damaging an E-3 Sentry AWACS and multiple KC-135 tankers.
  • At least 15 US service members were wounded, five of them seriously, according to unnamed US sources.
  • Over the past month Iran has struck US assets across the Gulf, hitting radar systems, a THAAD radar and about 12 MQ-9 Reaper drones.
  • The E-3 AWACS provides long-range airborne surveillance and command, and its loss would create short-term gaps in US situational awareness that can be partially filled by other platforms.
  • Reports say about 850 Tomahawk cruise missiles have been fired, raising concerns about munitions stocks and replacement needs.
  • The campaign has increased risks to oil exports and navigation near the Strait of Hormuz and raised concern over potential attacks on Kharg Island.

Sources