The United States government has authorized a significant logistics support package for the F-15 fighter aircraft of the Royal Saudi Air Force. The operation was recently notified by the Department of State to the U.S. Congress for approval and is framed within the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, with an estimated value of US$ 3 billion.
As of today, and surpassed only by the United States and Japan, Saudi Arabia operates one of the largest F-15 fighter fleets in service, across its various variants. These range from the early “C” and “D” Eagle models to the more advanced F-15S aircraft, which are currently being upgraded to the F-15SA standard, derived from the F-15E Strike Eagle.
These latest modernized aircraft, together with Qatar’s F-15QA, rank among the most advanced F-15s in service, being surpassed only with the introduction of the new F-15EX Eagle, which is currently being inducted by the U.S. Air Force and offered for export to select allies.
Taking into account the sizable fleet operated by its air force, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requested from the United States government the purchase and provision of a substantial logistics support package.
As detailed in the publication released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on February 3, the package—valued at the aforementioned US$ 3 billion—includes spare parts, consumables and accessories, ground support equipment, classified and unclassified software, technical documentation, as well as the corresponding training and qualification services for personnel associated with the combat platform.
The Department of State stated that: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region.”
Adding that: “The proposed sale will enhance Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by providing sustainment support and training for the Royal Saudi Air Force’s F-15 fleet. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty integrating this equipment and services into its Armed Forces.”
Finally, it should be noted that this authorization focused on the Saudi Air Force’s F-15s is preceded by a similar decision in favor of Saudi Arabia, but centered on its air defense capabilities. More specifically, the United States government also authorized the sale of seven hundred and thirty (730) Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptor missiles, valued at US$ 9 billion.
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