saudis mull another f-15 purchase
by david bedein, middle east correspondent
friday, march 12, 2010
jerusalem — the middle east newsline has confirmed that saudi arabia has advanced in negotiations to purchase a fighter jet from the united states.
The saudi leadership, in wake of receiving the first eurofighters, has been examining the u.s.-built f-15 for a procurement contract in 2010. They said saudi defense minister crown prince sultan bin abdul aziz has supported the prospect of an additional purchase of at least two squadrons of f-15s in a deal that could top $5 billion.
“the assessment is that the royal saudi air force requires a platform that it is comfortable with, yet much more advanced than those it now operates,” an industry source said.
The saudi air force operates about 150 f-15s, purchased in the 1970s and 1990s. The sources said riyad has been briefed on the option to develop a stealth version of the f-15e.
This month, the united states sent a series of defense delegations to saudi arabia to discuss another fighter jet purchase. The first delegation was that of f-15 manufacturer boeing, which, on march 8, met sultan as well as his son, deputy defense minister prince khaled, regarded as a leading official in weapons procurement.
The boeing delegation was led by president james mcnerney. Other company representatives were identified as senior vice president shepherd hill and ahmed jaazar, manager of boeing in saudi arabia.
Two days later, u.s. Defense secretary robert gates arrived in saudi arabia for what was termed military and defense cooperation talks. Mr. Gates also met sultan as well as king abdullah to discuss both regional issues as well as arms sales.
The saudi leadership has insisted on guarantees that any f-15 order would undergo accelerated production and delivery. The saudis also sought deals regarding training and support as well as for additional major arms deals, particularly missile defense systems.
“saudi arabia is one of the largest customers for u.s. Defense goods, and officials said they expect that all of these matters and more will be on the table during the meetings,” the defense department said in a statement on march 10.
The complicating factor is saudi arabia’s continued funding for hamas and for the palestinian liberation organization groups, which maintain a state of belligerency with israel.
