Photos have surfaced showing the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's strike on Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan Air Base, with the E-3G "Sentinel" airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, serial number 81-0005, belonging to the U.S. Air Force's 552nd Air Control Wing, being precisely severed at mid-body.

The photos indicate that the attack targeted the most critical part of the aircraft—the rotating radar dome near the tail, which houses multiple precision instruments, including the antennas of the E-3 AN/APY-2 early warning radar system.

The disappearance of the rotating radar dome means the aircraft’s "brain" has been destroyed, rendering its early warning capabilities instantly in ruins.

From the damage pattern, it is evident that the strike hit the vital area with pinpoint accuracy—no full explosion or fire destruction of the fuselage—demonstrating exceptional precision.

It is highly likely this was achieved by a drone equipped with target/terrain image recognition for terminal guidance.

If a ballistic missile had been used, the impact would have left no wreckage whatsoever.

Despite mounting pressure, the Revolutionary Guard maintained strong range capability as well as precision in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike operations.

In the same attack, five KC-135 refueling aircraft were also damaged. Each KC-135 costs approximately $39.6 million.

The E-3G "Sentinel" has a unit price exceeding $270 million (see Figures 5 and 6).

Tracking data shows that this 81-0005 aircraft was deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base to participate in Operation "Epic Fury." The U.S. Air Force's E-3 fleet has now shrunk from 16 to 15 aircraft.

The loss of the Sentinel early warning aircraft has created a critical gap in air warning and control coverage within the Central Command’s operational theater.

Questions are mounting: How could such an expensive ground asset be so easily turned into a target?

Why wasn’t better protection provided to secure air superiority?

What strategic consequences will arise from the absence of early warning and monitoring?

If even this strategic-level asset can be swiftly destroyed, what remains truly "protected"?

This question is left for the Middle Eastern royals.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860963235175427/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.