Will Saudi Arabia be equipped with the F-15 Eagle fighter?
On Tuesday, some media sources announced the possibility of equipping the Saudi Air Force with F-15 AX Eagle fighters.
The American company “Boeing” is looking to offer its “F-15E X Eagle” fighter to buyers in the Middle East. This upgraded type of F-15 was exhibited at the defense exhibition in Riyadh and this country is among those interested in buying this fighter.
“National Interest” weekly newspaper wrote in this context on Tuesday, “Esad Al-Jamai”, the president of Boeing Company in Saudi Arabia, said: “Riyadh defense exhibition is an important event for us to communicate with partners.” “We look forward to highlighting Boeing’s strong support for the development of Saudi Arabia’s aerospace and defense capabilities in the country.”
According to this report, the Saudi Arabian Air Force may be looking to upgrade its current fleet of F-15s, and there are rumors of the purchase of 54 F-15 Eagles. Saudi Arabia purchased the first F-15 fighter in 1978.
F-15X is not the only option Riyadh is considering. This country is also looking to buy the “Eurofighter Typhoon” fighter. Saudi Arabia is also eyeing the French-made Rafale fighter. Saudi pilots are average in quality.
Boeing has touted the capabilities of its new fighter, claiming that the F-15EX can fly in all weather conditions.
It is a two-seater multirole fighter that has more advanced capabilities, including flight control, a new jungle suite, advanced radar and computer, and most importantly, it carries a larger amount of weapons.
Aviation analyst Richard Abulafia said: “The Saudis are getting the F-15 fighter from the United States, and of course they want the F-35, but they are eager to meet their needs from dual sources.”