ANN ANish News Network | Wednesday, 01 April 2026
The Iranian Army has announced a new wave of retaliatory strikes targeting military assets associated with the United States and Israel, including airborne warning and control systems (AWACS), aerial refueling tankers, and radar installations across multiple locations in West Asia.
The announcement comes amid ongoing hostilities following the escalation of conflict beginning February 28, which has seen repeated exchanges of strikes between Iran and regional adversaries.
Targets at Ben Gurion Airport
According to the Iranian Army statement, drone operations targeted AWACS aircraft and refueling tankers stationed at Ben Gurion Airport.
AWACS aircraft, such as the E-3 Sentry, serve as airborne command-and-control platforms for the United States Air Force to coordinate battlefield operations. Iran described these aircraft as key assets in managing airspace and coordinating military responses.
Use of Long-Range Drone Systems
The Iranian Army stated that the strikes were carried out using Arash-2 drones, which reportedly have a range of up to 2,000 kilometers. These systems were deployed in coordinated operations targeting both aerial and ground-based military infrastructure.
Iran characterized the strikes as part of a broader response to what it described as continued air assaults by US and Israeli forces on its territory, including civilian areas.
Alleged Strikes in the UAE and Regional Radar Sites
In addition to targets in Israel, Iran reported strikes on radar and electronic warfare installations in the United Arab Emirates.
The statement claimed that these sites were used to detect and track incoming missiles and drones, as well as to support defensive electronic warfare operations. No independent confirmation of the extent of damage has been provided.
Broader Regional Targeting
Iran’s Army further asserted that its operations have extended across multiple regional countries hosting US military assets, including:
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
These locations reportedly host a range of military infrastructure used by US and allied forces. Iran claims its strikes have damaged radar systems, drones, and missile defense platforms in these areas.
Damage Claims and Military Impact
Iranian statements suggest cumulative damage to US and allied military infrastructure, including:
- Airborne command systems (AWACS)
- Aerial refueling tankers
- Missile defense systems such as THAAD
- Unmanned aerial systems (Reaper drones)
Analysts cited in the report describe the disruption of AWACS capabilities as significant, given their role in coordinating air operations and maintaining situational awareness in contested airspace.
Strategic Significance
AWACS platforms function as “flying radar” systems, enabling real-time surveillance and command coordination. Disruption of such assets could affect:
- Airspace monitoring
- Coordination of allied air operations
- Early warning and threat detection
Iran’s emphasis on targeting these systems suggests a strategy focused on degrading command-and-control capabilities rather than solely engaging fixed ground installations.
Ongoing Escalation
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian armed forces have repeatedly conducted drone and missile operations since the onset of the conflict, targeting what they describe as military positions linked to US and Israeli forces.
Iranian officials have stated that their operations will continue in response to ongoing attacks, framing them as defensive and retaliatory in nature.
Conclusion
Iran’s announcement of strikes on AWACS aircraft, refueling tankers, and radar installations reflects an evolving phase of the conflict characterized by long-range drone warfare and targeting of high-value military infrastructure.
As the situation continues to develop, the strategic focus appears to be shifting toward disrupting command systems and regional military coordination, signaling an expansion in both scope and complexity of engagements across West Asia.
