The Royal Saudi Air Force’s F-15 fleet is set to receive sustainment services following the US State Department’s approval of a potential $3-billion foreign military sale (FMS).
Saudi Arabia’s request included spares and repair parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; ground and personnel equipment; as well as classified and unclassified software and software support, ensuring a combat-ready fleet.
Riyadh has more than 200 F-15 jets in service, making it the second largest F-15 operator after the US Air Force.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notice, there are several defense suppliers involved, but with no prime contractor specified.
The proposed sale is intended to enhance the defense capabilities of a major non-NATO ally, which Saudi Arabia was officially designated as by the US in November 2025.
This grants the Gulf Kingdom preferential access to US defense materiel but does not extend NATO mutual defense obligations.
Recent Arms Procurement
As part of its efforts to modernize its air force, Saudi Arabia publicly expressed interest in acquiring up to 48 F-35 stealth fighters, a prospect that is reportedly under review by the US government but has not been formally approved as an FMS.
In December 2025, the US greenlighted two potential $1-billion FMS cases comprising sustainment services for the kingdom’s UH-60 Black Hawks, AH-64 Apaches, CH-47F Chinooks, Schweizer 333s, and Aerial Scout aircraft, along with aviation training programs.
Earlier this month, Washington cleared Riyadh’s possible $9-billion request to purchase up to 730 PAC-3 MSE missiles and related equipment.
