United States Air Force E-3B/C/G Sentry Destroyed

An E-3G Sentry AWACS aircraft was destroyed on the ground at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia during an Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack on 27 March 2026. OSINT satellite imagery confirmed catastrophic damage to serial 81-0005, showing collapse of the AN/APY-2 radome support structure, separation of the aft fuselage, and total burnout of the rear section. The loss reduces the operational USAF E-3 fleet to 14 aircraft, creating a significant gap in airborne battle management coverage for Operation Epic Fury. At least 12 US service members were wounded in the broader base attack.