The Royal Saudi Air Force has received the last F-15SA advanced fighter aircraft from the United States as part of a massive $29bn foreign military sales (FMS) agreement agreed to with the Obama administration in 2010.
An advanced version of the F-15S, the F-15SA is equipped with several capabilities to enable the Royal Saudi Air Force to deter regional threats, and is made by U.S.-based defense company Boeing.
The completion of the deal is “a key milestone supporting the National Defense Strategy imperative to strengthen alliances and attract new partners,” the U.S. Air Force said.
The newest additions to Saudi Arabia’s air force on display in Riyadh in 2017.
The aircraft was delivered by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), which manages all FMS cases for the U.S. Air Force.
“The F-15 Strike Eagle is a world-renowned dual role fighter with an already exemplary reputation. These dramatically advanced versions of that battle-tested platform provide a strong deterrent capability to potential aggressors and strengthen our long and important relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Col. Ronald E. Dunlap III, AFLCMC F-15SA Security Assistance program manager. “I’m extremely proud of our AFLCMC team working with Boeing and alongside the Royal Saudi Air Force over the past several years to deliver this vital capability.”
The new aircraft sports a digital electronic warfare suite, fly-by-wire flight control system, an infrared search-and-track system, Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, advanced cockpit displays and Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems among many other advancements.
In addition to the new aircraft, the FMS case also includes associated spares, stores, simulators, training, technical documentation, base construction and other related logistical and program support.
