Iran Blinds US 'Hawk': E-3 Sentry Destroyed, Trump's Plan in Jeopardy

• Iranian missiles and drones destroyed a US E-3 Sentry aircraft at Prince Sultan Air Base, a major setback for 'Operation Epic Fury'.
• The E-3 Sentry, an aging AWACS aircraft, is crucial for tracking enemy radars and missiles; its destruction severely impacts US air strategy.
• With only 16 active E-3 aircraft remaining and a declining mission capability rate, the US faces a critical shortage.
• A potential workaround involves salvaging parts from 18 retired E-3s at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, but modernizing old radar is challenging.
• The US Navy's E-2D Hawkeye offers limited support, while the E-7 Wedgetail replacement program faces budget cuts, leaving the future uncertain.