The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has begun preliminary discussions with Boeing over the acquisition of as many as 25 F-15Ss to complement the 72 it already has on order.
The RSAF has asked for "pricing and availability data" on the two-seat variant of the F-15. The purchase would cover an attrition procurement, as well as additional training aircraft.
The two-seat F-15E, of which the F-15S is a variant, remains the only Eagle still on the production line. Orders are such that there is no urgency in finalising the RSAF order, however.
The pace of Saudi procurement projects has been slowed down by difficulties with the servicing of its Foreign Military Sales debt to the USA.
As well as an additional purchase of the F-15S, the RSAF will almost certainly join the long list of McDonnell Douglas F-16 operators by the turn of the century.
The air force's long-standing requirement to replace the Northrop F-5 in the light-strike-fighter and reconnaissance roles will be met by the procurement of around 90 F-16 Block 50/52 aircraft.
It is believed that the selection of the F-16 is effectively assured, but the approvals process, and funding constraints, are determining the pace of the programme.
Source: Flight International
