US E-3G Sentry aircraft reportedly destroyed in Iranian strike PHOTO

Images circulating online appear to show the destruction of a U.S. Air Force E-3G Sentry airborne early warning and control aircraft following a reported Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, per the UK Defence Journal.

The aircraft, identified in open source reporting as belonging to the 552nd Air Control Wing, appears to have suffered severe damage concentrated around the rear fuselage, where the E-3’s radar dome and associated surveillance systems are housed. That section contains critical components of the aircraft’s AN/APY-2 radar, central to its airborne command and control role.

The Boeing E-3 Sentry is an American airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft developed by Boeing, commonly referred to as AWACS. Based on the Boeing 707 airliner, it provides all-weather surveillance, command, control, and communications capabilities. The aircraft has been operated by the United States Air Force, NATO, France, Saudi Arabia and Chile, while the Royal Air Force retired its fleet in 2021. A total of 68 aircraft were built between 1977 and 1992.

The E-3’s primary role is to deliver real-time situational awareness and battle management. It supports joint and coalition operations by detecting, identifying and tracking airborne and maritime threats, while coordinating friendly forces. The aircraft can provide early warning of enemy activity and assist commanders in directing air operations, including interception, reconnaissance, airlift and close air support.