Analysts Warn of Compromised US Surveillance Capability After Saudi Base Attack

Washington D.C. Analysts have warned that the United States' ability to identify threats emanating from Iran could be affected after an E-3 Sentry aircraft belonging to the US Air Force was destroyed in an Iranian attack at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

The aircraft was damaged while stationed at Prince Sultan Air Base. Geographic evidence obtained by CNN shows that the aircraft's tail section is broken off and its primary rotating radar dome, which plays a fundamental role in the AWACS system, has fallen to the ground.

'This is a serious blow to American surveillance capability. It could affect the ability to control fighter jets, direct them to targets, or shield them from enemy aircraft and missile systems,' said former US Air Force Colonel and CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton.

AWACS can monitor an area of 120,000 square miles and has played a crucial role for the US military for decades. Analysts have evaluated the US fleet of 17 E-3 aircraft and the experience in their use as a key advantage for Washington.

Images of the destroyed aircraft have begun appearing on social media. CNN confirmed the location of these images by matching them with satellite imagery from March 11. At least 10 US service members were injured in this attack. There have been no reports of fatalities during this incident. Sources also indicated that an American tanker aircraft was damaged.

The E-3 aircraft itself is a powerful airborne command post and surveillance platform. It is reported that it can track approximately 600 targets simultaneously, including other aircraft, missiles, large drones, or tankers on the battlefield. Personnel working inside the aircraft can send this information in real-time to commanders, naval vessels, or the Pentagon.

Controllers working on AWACS can perform tasks such as directing interceptor fighter jets to stop incoming threats or dispatching attack aircraft to support ground troops. A report from the Center for a New American Security earlier this month referred to AWACS aircraft as the battlefield's 'quarterback.' The report deemed AWACS an indispensable asset for US military operations today and in the near future.