Digging out a really old thread here to resume with some extensive new developments.
Over the last years, the Saudis have indeed spent a lot of money to modernize their military across the board, and they still continue to do so.
In Sept. '07 they signed a £4.43billion deal for 72 Eurofighters tranche II, 48 will be locally assembled.
In Jan '08 and Jul '09 they bought 3 + 3 A330 MRTT aircraft.
SA also bought multiple light combat vehicles from France & the US.
A few weeks ago, we got word of an arms deal with the US that could reach a level of up to $60B. It looks like weapons worth $30B will be bought initially, with the possibilita to buy more at a later time. Congress is exspected to approve the sale.
The package includes: up to 84 new F-15s + upgrading another 70
up to 3000 guided bombs of 2000lbs in total, 1000 of wich are JDAM
600 HARMs used to knock out enemy air defenses, 400 Harpoons used against ships, and 300 air-to-air Sidewinders
70 AH-64D, 72 UH-60, 36 AH-6i, 12 MD-530F
Now, a Saudi minister is visiting Spain. Word is the Saudis might buy 200+ Leo IIE tanks for up to €3B.
The Saudis are also looking to upgrade their navy.
So, when it's all said and done, a new regional military power is emerging in the middle east. Israel will still be predominent military force in the region. But there will also be a new and rather powerfull counterweight in the region against other unfriendly nations.
Over the last years, the Saudis have indeed spent a lot of money to modernize their military across the board, and they still continue to do so.
In Sept. '07 they signed a £4.43billion deal for 72 Eurofighters tranche II, 48 will be locally assembled.
In Jan '08 and Jul '09 they bought 3 + 3 A330 MRTT aircraft.
SA also bought multiple light combat vehicles from France & the US.
A few weeks ago, we got word of an arms deal with the US that could reach a level of up to $60B. It looks like weapons worth $30B will be bought initially, with the possibilita to buy more at a later time. Congress is exspected to approve the sale.
The package includes: up to 84 new F-15s + upgrading another 70
up to 3000 guided bombs of 2000lbs in total, 1000 of wich are JDAM
600 HARMs used to knock out enemy air defenses, 400 Harpoons used against ships, and 300 air-to-air Sidewinders
70 AH-64D, 72 UH-60, 36 AH-6i, 12 MD-530F
Now, a Saudi minister is visiting Spain. Word is the Saudis might buy 200+ Leo IIE tanks for up to €3B.
The Saudis are also looking to upgrade their navy.
So, when it's all said and done, a new regional military power is emerging in the middle east. Israel will still be predominent military force in the region. But there will also be a new and rather powerfull counterweight in the region against other unfriendly nations.