An Iranian missile strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia damaged five US Air Force refueling planes. The attack occurred several days ago, but officials only recently confirmed the extent of the damage to the aircraft. No US service members were killed or injured during the missile barrage on the facility.
The Wall Street Journal reported this incident, citing US officials familiar with the matter. The sources stated that while the planes sustained significant damage, they were not completely destroyed. These aircraft are currently undergoing repairs to return them to active service. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has declined to provide an official statement regarding the specific details of the strike.
Rising US Aviation Losses
This recent attack increases the total number of US refueling aircraft lost or damaged during the current campaign. At least seven refueling planes have been affected since the start of military operations against Iran.
Recent losses include a mid-air collision between two KC-135 tankers over Iraq on March 12. One aircraft crashed near the Jordanian border, resulting in the deaths of all six crew members. Furthermore, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for downing US assets in the region. Last week, Kuwaiti air defenses accidentally shot down three US F-15 fighter jets in a friendly fire incident, though all pilots survived.
The conflict continues to escalate as US and Israeli forces target Iranian military infrastructure. President Donald Trump announced that US forces successfully destroyed military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island. He warned that the US would strike oil infrastructure if Iran continues to obstruct shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The large-scale military operation against the Iranian regime began on February 28, 2026, following increased regional aggression.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Iran’s regime is unlikely to collapse in the near future despite the ongoing full-scale military pressure and internal challenges.
