The strike involved 6 ballistic missiles and 29 drones, according to Iranian media. Multiple refueling aircraft were reportedly damaged in the Saudi airbase raid.
BY PC Bureau
March 29, 2026: Iran has claimed a major strike on a United States aircraft during a retaliatory missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday. The target reportedly included an E‑3 AWACS command and control plane, which Iran says was destroyed, alongside other US military assets.
Details of the Attack
According to Iran’s Press TV, the strike involved six ballistic missiles and 29 drones. Newly released images show the damaged AWACS, with only its head and tail remaining intact. At least 10 US personnel were wounded, with two in serious condition. Preliminary reports indicate multiple refueling aircraft were also hit.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the attack also downed a US MQ-9 drone and struck an F-16 fighter jet, targeting facilities linked to US and Israeli interests.
READ: US Forces Build Up Near Iran: Posturing or War Footing?
The base has been repeatedly targeted since February 28, when the US and Israel began military operations against Iran. Iran has conducted multiple retaliatory strikes on Gulf-based US air bases. In the same period, the conflict has escalated elsewhere:
- Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched missiles at Israel.
- Iran has threatened retaliation on Israeli and US universities after attacks on Iranian academic institutions.
High-Value US Military Asset Neutralized in Precision Strike on Prince Sultan Air Base
Iran successfully destroyed a US Air Force E-3G “Sentry” Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft in a targeted strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/KLvVtdlTCM
— Tasnim News Agency (@Tasnimnews_EN) March 29, 2026
Civilian casualties have also been reported. Attacks on Saturday killed a family of four in Bushehr province and damaged a water facility in Khuzestan province. Explosions rocked Tehran on Sunday morning, killing two and wounding five in Shaft city, with further injuries reported in northern and western districts.
Iranian forces further claimed to have targeted an Israeli-operated electronic warfare and radar centre in Haifa and a fuel storage facility at Ben Gurion Airport.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not commented on the incident.
The conflict, now in its second month, continues to escalate rapidly across multiple fronts in the Middle East, involving missile strikes, drone attacks, and retaliatory measures affecting both military and civilian targets.
