The F-15SA, the newest variant of the combat-proven
F-15, provides improved performance and increased
survivability at a lower life-cycle cost. The
aircraft has two additional wing stations for
increased payload and capability.
"We look forward to receiving the advanced
capabilities of the F-15SA aircraft to continue
to protect the security and stability of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia," said Lt. Gen. Mohammed
Bin Abdullah Al-Ayeesh, commander, Royal Saudi
Air Force. "Our relationship with the U.S.
Air Force and The Boeing Company has helped to
ensure the Royal Saudi Air Force remains among
the best-equipped air forces in the world."
Flight testing began this year on the F-15SA.
The Royal Saudi Air Force has operated F-15S fighters
since the 1990s.
"The Kingdom and Boeing have been partners
for 65 years and our partnership goes beyond the
innovative products and services we provide,"
said Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing Defense, Space
& Security president and CEO. "Equally
as important are the excellent collaborations
between Boeing and Saudi educational and industrial
organizations."
Boeing established many of the offset companies
in Saudi Arabia, including Alsalam Aircraft Company,
in which Boeing currently holds the largest stake.
Boeing also co-founded Al Faisal University, the
first private university in Saudi Arabia, as well
as the King Abdullah University of Science and
Technology Industrial Collaboration Program. Boeing
is also developing educational and training projects
with the King Abdulaziz City for Science &
Technology and the Technical & Vocational
Training Corporation.
"The F-15SA will enhance the national security
objectives of both the United States and the Kingdom
with improved interoperability and common training
and support well into the 21st century,"
said Lt. Gen. C.D. Moore, the U.S. Air Force's
decision authority for the F-15SA program.
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