Saudi Arabia's fighter jet procurement plans are evolving amidst challenges involving fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation options. Riyadh also envisions greater industrial participation of Saudi companies in advanced aerospace technologies.
Riyadh aims to bolster the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) by enlarging the fourth-generation fleet and retiring Tornados. This includes considering an additional Eurofighter Typhoon order or alternative options.
For fifth-generation fighters, Riyadh is working on several angles to obtain stealth fighters from this category.
Saudi Arabia aspires to participate in a sixth-generation program and is actively engaged in discussions with Britain regarding the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and subsequent Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Tactical Report highlights these matters, including:
- The status of the follow-on Typhoon negotiations with Britain
- Alternative options should the Typhoon negotiations fail
- Primary fifth-generation aircraft choice
- Alternative fifth-generation options from East Asia
- Saudi intentions, progress, and prospects vis-a-vis FCAS/GCAP