Saudi Arabia: Fourth, fifth, and sixth-generation fighter jet procurement plans

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