The Iranian army fired at an American AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) long-range radar detection and control aircraft. This happened on March 27 during an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. 12 American servicemen were injured, two of them in serious condition. The aircraft, as can be judged by photos in the media, has been destroyed.
Destroyed American AWACS aircraft. Photo: social media
It was a combined attack using missiles and strike drones. In addition to the AWACS, at least two Boeing KC-135 refueling aircraft were damaged. US authorities have not yet commented on the incident.
The Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft is a legendary flying radar station (RLS) and army command post, writes "Novaya Gazeta. Europe". The E-3 Sentry was developed in the United States but was transferred to the armed forces of France, Great Britain, and Saudi Arabia. Built jointly with Boeing based on the civilian Boeing 707 aircraft and equipped with a radar system from Northrop Grumman, the E-3 first flew in 1975.
The AWACS radar is, in essence, the eyes and ears of the armed forces; it provides 360-degree coverage and can detect aircraft up to 400 km away, as well as low-altitude targets that ground-based radars cannot see due to landscape features and the curvature of the earth. Unlike stationary radars, AWACS can quickly move to any point in the world, and it is harder to destroy than stationary objects. Onboard operators coordinate the actions of fighters, guide them to targets, manage in-flight refueling, and ensure airspace safety. The aircraft has been in operation for about half a century, and the Pentagon is currently developing a replacement for the aging E-3 Sentry.
AWACS plays a crucial role in military operations, providing surveillance, command and control, as well as air traffic management.
The cost of one fully equipped latest-generation aircraft is estimated at 400-500 million dollars or more. If the information is officially confirmed, this will be the first combat loss of an E-3 type aircraft in history.
It is believed that the US currently has 16 such aircraft in flying condition, and 7 or 8 of them are involved in military operations in Iran.
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