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Archives by category > Saudi Arabia (RSS)

US Hellfire Missile Orders, FY 2011-2022

Oct 11, 2022 04:58 UTC

Latest updates[?]: The US Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center recently tested the new AGM-114 R-4 long-range Hellfire missile, revealing it for the first time. A 174th Attack Wing MQ-9 Block 5 drone test-fired the missile during an exercise, clocking the longest Hellfire shot to date. The R-4 boasts three times the range of its predecessor, the AGM-114 R, which can hit targets from around 7 miles (11 kilometers) under optimal conditions, the developers claim.

AGM-114/MH-60S

USN MH-60S test

Hellfire I/II missiles are the USA’s preferred aerial anti-armor missile, and are widely deployed with America’s allies. They equip America’s helicopter fleets (AH-64, AH-1, OH-58D, MH-60S/R), AH-64 and S-70 helicopters flown by its allies, and even Australia and France’s Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopters. Range is officially listed as 9 km/ 5.6 miles.

While Hellfires lack the fast-jet launch capabilities – and correspondingly extended maximum range – of the UK’s MBDA Brimstone missiles, Lockheed Martin’s missile has made big inroads as the world’s high-end helicopter-launched missile. It has also carved out unique niches as tripod-launched coastal defense assets, as the guided missile integrated into American UAVs like the MQ-1 Predator family, and even as a missile option for transport aircraft like the AC-208B Combat Caravan and C-130J/W Hercules.

Continue Reading… »

AH-64E Apache Block III: Evolving Battlefield Roles

Sep 13, 2022 04:54 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: The Polish Ministry of National Defence has sent a letter of request to the United States government to buy 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the nation’s armed forces. Deputy Prime Minister and Polish Defence Minister Mariusz B?aszczak unveiled the planned purchase following a meeting with his US counterpart, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, which took place on September 8 in Ramstein, Germany.

AH-64D helos Afghanistan

AH-64 in Afghanistan

The AH-64 Apache will remain the US Army’s primary armed helicopter for several more decades, thanks to the collapse of the RAH-66 Comanche program, and the retirement sans replacement of the US Army’s Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH). Apaches also serve with a number of American allies, some of whom have already expressed interest in upgrading or expanding their fleets.

The AH-64E Guardian Block III (AB3) is the helicopter’s next big step forward. It incorporates 26 key new-technology insertions that cover flight performance, maintenance costs, sensors & electronics, and even the ability to control UAVs as part of manned-unmanned teaming (MUT). In July 2006, Boeing and U.S. Army officials signed the initial development contract for Block III upgrades to the current and future Apache fleet, via a virtual signing ceremony. By November 2011, the 1st production helicopter had been delivered. So… how many helicopters will be modified under the AH-64 Block III program, what do these modifications include, how is the program structured, and what has been happening since that 2006 award? The short answer is: a lot, including export interest and sales.

Continue Reading… »

The Saudis’ American Shopping Spree: F-15s, Helicopters & More

Apr 21, 2021 04:56 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: The Advanced Electronics won a contract modification for the F-15 Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Electronic System Test Set (ESTS). Services acquired under this effort are to provide the RSAF with an upgraded ESTS. The RSAF currently uses an A31U18240-2 ESTS configuration, and this shall provide the scope to upgrade and install the A31U18240-3 and A31U18240-4 configuration (frequently referred to as -3 and -4, respectively), as well as familiarization training, regression testing, and travel. Work will be performed at the RSAF Central Maintenance Facilities within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; the Science and Engineering facility in Huntsville, Alabama; and Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, and is expected to be completed April 16, 2021.
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F-15S

F-15S & weapons

In October 2010, talks that Saudi Arabia was negotiating a $30-60 billion arms package with the USA were made official with a full multi-billion request that included 84 F-15 Strike Eagles to replace the Kingdom’s Tornado strike aircraft and/or F-15A-D fighters, upgrades for another 70 planes, about 132 UH-60 Black Hawk utility and AH-64 attack helicopters, and armaments to equip them.

This article looks at those requests, their tie-ins, the issues that are part of these potential deals, and related follow-on requests. As is often the case with DSCA announcements, years can pass between the requests and the signed contracts, but these contracts have started to roll in, alongside other significant buys.

Continue Reading… »

The Wonders of Link 16 For Less: MIDS-LVTs

Aug 09, 2019 04:58 UTC

Latest updates[?]: The US Navy contracted Data Link Solutions with a $75 million modification for the Block Upgrade II retrofit of Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) low volume terminals (LVTs). The MIDS LVT is a low-cost fighter terminal with flexible, open-architecture designs. It provides the critical airborne, ground, and maritime link that allows for simultaneous coordination of forces and situational awareness in battlefield operations. The MIDS program was inaugurated via a Memorandum of Understanding amongst the founding MIDS nations, namely Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and the United States. The terminals provide secure, high-capacity, jam-resistant, digital data and voice communications capability for Navy, Air Force and Army platforms, and for Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will take place in Wayne, New Jersey and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Estimated completion date is in December 2026.

Link-16 Display F-15

Link 16 Display
(click to see situation)

What one sees, all see. Jam-resistant Link-16 radios automatically exchange battlefield information – particularly locations of friendly and enemy aircraft, ships and ground forces – among themselves in a long-range, line-of-sight network. For example, air surveillance tracking data from an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft can be instantly shared with fighter aircraft and air defense units. More than a dozen countries have installed Link 16 terminals on over 19 different land, sea, and air platforms, making it an interoperability success story.

While recent advancements may make AESA radars the future transmitters of choice, Link 16 is the current standard. The Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS LVTs) were developed by a multinational consortium to provide Link 16 capability at a lower weight, volume, and cost than the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS). This free-to-view DID Spotlight article throws a spotlight on the program, explaining Link 16, and covering associated contracts around the world.

Continue Reading… »

Saudi Shopping Spree: 24 UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopters, and more

Apr 12, 2019 04:56 UTC

Latest updates[?]: Rockwell Collins won a $30.9 million Foreign Military Sales contract to produce a Transportable Blackhawk Operations Simulator training device for the Saudi Arabian National Guard. The Transportable Blackhawk Operations Simulator is a flight simulator that provides high-fidelity flight training device capability for UH-60L and UH-60M helicopters. The simulator’s cockpit has the identical form, fit and function as the cockpit in the actual aircraft. It flies with the actual aircraft avionics software and flight dynamics data. Back in July 2018, it was reported, that Saudi Arabia was seeking to expand its Blackhawk fleet following the announcement of a $193.8 million firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales contract for 17 UH-60Ms in January 2018. Rockwell Collins will perform work in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Latest updates: Fleet upgrades to UH-60L; Final helis make Saudi Arabia one of the last UH-60L customers.

UH-60L Leaving DZ USA

UH-60L: Leaving the LZ
(lick to view larger)

On July 20/06, the US DSCA announced Saudi Arabia’s official request to buy 24 UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters, plus spares and support. The UH-60L Black Hawk is currently the USA’s mainstay utility helicopter, serving in various configurations in all operating theaters and theaters of war; the upgraded UH-60M is just ramping up production, and is the subject of a 2010 DSCA request to equip Saudi Arabia’s National Guard.

Saudi Arabia recently issued the final piece of that contract.

Continue Reading… »

Saudis Seek E-3 Fleet Upgrades

Apr 02, 2019 04:54 UTC

Latest updates[?]: The US Air Force contracted Telephonics $12.6 million for the Royal Saudi Air Force Airborne Warning and Control System (RSAF AWACS) Next Generation Identification Friend or Foe (IFF). The deal is for manufacture, test, and delivery of Next Generation Identification Friend or Foe AN/UPX-40 Interrogator shipsets and installation kits for the RSAF AWACS fleet. The AN/UPX-40 IFF avionics enables aircraft to identify and position aircraft or ships as friendly or unknown, as well as determine their bearing and range. The Telephonics IFF and secondary surveillance radar systems aids military and civil air traffic controllers to direct traffic and protect friendly forces. Additionally to AWACS aircraft worldwide, the company’s IFF systems are deployed at airports, on aircraft carriers, on surface vessels, and aboard maritime patrol fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Work will take place in New York and is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2021.

AIR E-3 Saudi

Saudi E-3

The 707-based E-3 aircraft forms the backbone of American, British, French, and NATO airborne early warning and control (AWACS), monitoring large swathes of airspace from an elevated position to detect incursions by enemy fighters, missiles, and even UAVs. When coupled with communications systems that allow it act as an airborne relay and command post for the aerial fight, it becomes a uniquely valuable weapons system. Under the 1981 – 1986 “Peace Sentinel” program, Saudi Arabia bought 5 E-3 AWACS(Airborne Early Warning and Control) planes and 8 KE-3A aerial tanker and cargo aircraft. Up to 3 of the KE-3s were later converted to RE-3A TASS(Tactical Airborne Surveillance System) electronic eavesdropping planes, leaving 5 E-3As, 3 RE-3As, and 5 KE-3 tankers.

Most E-3s around the world are well over 20 years old, and American, British, French, and NATO aircraft have received ongoing upgrades. Like Boeing’s US, British, French, and NATO customers, the Saudis are now seeking upgrades to keep their aircraft up to date. Broadly speaking, Saudi jets are getting 3 kinds of upgrades.

Continue Reading… »

Saudi Snoops: RSAF Turns to King Airs

Nov 02, 2018 04:52 UTC

Latest updates[?]: Sierra Nevada will upgrade two aircraft as part of the Saudi King Air 350 program. The company will add an intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance/synthetic aperture radar capability to the two King Air 350 extended range aircraft. The twin-propeller King Air 350 is an affordable, long-endurance option for effective manned battlefield surveillance and attack. US aircraft in their ISR configuration are equipped with signals intelligence (SIGINT) electronic interception capabilities, and carry L-3 Westar’s MX-15i surveillance turrets. One transportable ground station; one fixed ground station; and one mission system trainer are also included in the contract. The definitization modification is priced at $23.8 million and involves 100% foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia. Work will be performed at Sierra Nevada's facility in Hagerstown, Maryland and is expected to be completed by May 2020.

IqAF 350-ISR, Oct 22/08 flight

IqAF 350-ISR

In recent wars, a lot of high tech gear has been upstaged by a surprising contender. Countries like the USA, Canada, Britain, Egypt, Iraq, and others are flying low-end turboprop business aircraft fitted with an array of sensors and a small crew. They’re cheap to buy, don’t use technology that makes export approval difficult, and are easy to maintain. Operating them is well within the capabilities of any country with an air force. Their sensors also offer more diversity and power than all but the highest-cost UAVs, in exchange for having just 1/2 to 1/3 of a high-end UAV’s mission endurance. No wonder many countries see them as a good complement to, or substitute for, existing UAV offerings.

Saudi Arabia has the money and clout to buy the expensive stuff. Nevertheless…

Continue Reading… »

2006 Saudi Shopping Spree: $2.9B to Upgrade Their M1 Tank Fleet

Dec 21, 2016 00:56 UTC

Latest updates[?]: General Dynamics has been awarded an $82 million contract to convert M1A2 tanks to the M1A2S configuration for the US Army. The M1A2S is a specialized configuration for tanks operated by the government of Saudi Arabia. GD design and manufacture the vehicles in the US, which are then sold to the kingdom through foreign military sales agreements.
M1A2 RSLF

Saudi M1A2

In July 2006 the US DSCA informed Congress [PDF] that the government of Saudi Arabia wished to purchase 58 M1A1 Abrams tanks, then upgrade these M1A1s, along with its existing 315 M1A2s, to create 373 M1A2S (Saudi) Abrams configuration main battle tanks. The sale will include kits, spare and repair parts, communications and support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, contractor engineering and technical support services and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $2.9 billion.

This program also dovetails well with ongoing Cooperative Logistics Supply Support Agreement, which ensure support and spare parts for their American-made land equipment. This sale and upgrade program will be executed in 3 phases, and is well underway.

Continue Reading… »

Paveway IV Dual-Guidance Bomb On Aircraft Integration Path

Sep 17, 2015 00:16 UTC

Latest updates[?]: The United Kingdom has awarded a contract to Raytheon's UK subsidiary for the development of a penetrating warhead for the Paveway IV guided bomb. Intended to equip the Royal Air Force's fleet of Eurofighters, the new munition is scheduled to enter service in 2019 and replace the current penetration capability provided by the RAF's Tornado GR4s and Paveway III bombs. The new warheads will fit existing stockpiles, with BAE Systems handling the integration work. Raytheon UK has stated that the new warhead will likely equip the RAF's F-35Bs and could do the same with Reaper UAVs.
Paveway IV Components

Paveway-IV components
(click to view larger)

In 2003, Raytheon UK operation won the GBP 120 million pound contract to develop and produce Paveway IV, beating Boeing’s INS/GPS guided JDAM. The GPS/INS and laser-guided 500-pound bombs are a British project, and will add a number of other enhancements, including longer range than previous Paveway versions.

The British military had wanted to deploy Raytheon’s latest Paveway IV bombs in Afghanistan by September 2007, on board its newly-upgraded Harrier GR9 aircraft. Unfortunately, testing problems with Thales UK’s Aurora fuze removed that option. The MoD found a way to deploy the smart bombs with lesser capabilities by December 2007, and eventually deployed full Paveway IVs on its Harriers in Afghanistan. The weapon is now ready for use with its Tornado GR4 strike aircraft, which are replacing the Harriers, and has been qualified on the RAF’s Eurofighters.

Continue Reading… »

Gulf States Requesting ABM-Capable Systems

Oct 02, 2014 20:09 UTC

Latest updates[?]: $1.75 billion Saudi export request for PAC-3 missiles - we connect it to past requests & buys.
Patriot Launch Techno

Patriot PAC-2

It’s becoming clear that Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, have stepped up their defense spending in recent years. Uncertainty creates perceptions of risk, and perceptions of risk lead to responses aimed at reducing that risk. That’s why arms spending is an incomplete but very concrete way of tracking a state’s real assessment of threats and priorities. Iraq is no longer a missile/WMD threat, but Iran’s ballistic missiles are another matter. They may be based on North Korean designs that lack accuracy, but the prospect of nuclear payloads is producing reactions.

Gulf states recognize that even a lucky conventional missile could wreak havoc if it hit key oil-related infrastructure, or damaged the larger and more nebulous target of business confidence. The spread of nuclear weapons would change the calculus completely. A 2007 US National Intelligence Assessment [redacted NIE summary, PDF] believed that Iran’s nuclear program had stopped, but others, including the United Nations and Israel, were more skeptical. By 2010, that skepticism had spread to US intelligence, which repudiated an assessment that seems set to join the infamous 1962 NIE of no Soviet missiles in Cuba [1].

The Gulf states’ response to these developments covers a range of equipment, but anti-ballistic missile capabilities appear to be rising to the top of the priority list.

Continue Reading… »
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