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Royal Saudi Air Force

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), known in Arabic as القوات الجوية الملكية السعودية (Al-Quwwat Al-Jawiyah Al-Malakiyah as-Su’udiyah), stands as the aerial warfare component of the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. It’s a branch that has evolved from its nascent beginnings into a formidable force, boasting advanced offensive capabilities and a significant presence on the global stage.

Foundation and Evolution

The genesis of the Royal Saudi Air Force can be traced back to the mid-1920s, a period marked by the consolidation of power within the Arabian Peninsula. Initially, its formation was aided by British expertise, drawing upon the remnants of the Hejaz Air Force. The earliest aircraft to grace its skies were the Westland Wapiti IIA, operated by pilots who had once served Ali of Hejaz but had subsequently received a pardon from the Saudi monarch. This humble beginning belies the sophisticated entity it is today.

A significant step in its development occurred in 1939 with the establishment of a military airstrip in Jeddah, a project facilitated by a contract with the British government concluded in 1937. This infrastructure became the initial base of operations for the burgeoning Air Force. The commitment to aviation education was evident early on, with groups of students dispatched to England for training in 1949 and again in 1950. The year 1950 also saw a reorganization of the Air Force, paving the way for American assistance to commence in 1952. This assistance included the utilization of Dhahran Airfield by the United States Air Force. The return of the trained aviation students in 1951 marked a pivotal moment, contributing directly to the formation of the RSAF.

The official inauguration of the RSAF took place on November 5, 1952, with the raising of its flag at a military hangar at Jeddah Airport. The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, who held the position of Minister of Defense and Aviation at the time. Following this, Air Force schools began to proliferate across the kingdom, laying the groundwork for future generations of aviators. The early inventory of aircraft was diverse, reflecting the era and available resources, and included types such as the Caproni Ca.100, Albatros D.III, Armstrong Whitworth F.K.8, Farman MF.11, Airco DH.9, De Havilland Tiger Moth, Westland Wapiti, Avro Anson, Douglas C-47 Skytrain, and the Douglas B-26 Invader.

The year 1957 marked a period of significant expansion and development for the RSAF. Five new squadrons were established, all based at Jeddah Airport. The transportation squadron was outfitted with Douglas C-54 Skymasters and Fokker S-13s, while the No. 2 Squadron was equipped with Douglas B-26 Invaders. The No. 5 Squadron, meanwhile, received 20 De Havilland Vampires, indicating a move towards more advanced jet-powered aircraft.

Arms Deals and Strategic Partnerships

The RSAF's equipment procurement has historically been characterized by a strong reliance on Western suppliers, primarily from the United Kingdom and the United States. These partnerships extend beyond mere hardware acquisition, encompassing extensive training programs conducted both within Saudi Arabia and abroad.

A notable transaction was the "Magic Carpet" arms deal with the United Kingdom, which saw the acquisition of four single-seat Hawker Hunter F.6s and two two-seat T.7s in 1966. These aircraft were delivered to No. 6 Squadron at Khamis Mushayt Airbase. While operational, their effectiveness as interceptors was limited by a lack of ground control, leading to their primary deployment in ground attack roles. Despite the loss of one aircraft in 1967, the remaining Hunters were later transferred to Jordan in 1968.

The 1980s and 1990s witnessed a strategic shift, transforming the RSAF into a force with significant offensive capabilities. This was largely driven by substantial investments in advanced technology. The backbone of its strike and ground attack force was established with approximately 70 Panavia Tornados, with an additional 48 Tornado IDS aircraft ordered in 1993 under the Al-Yamamah II program. Complementing the Tornados were 72 F-15S aircraft, delivered from the mid-1990s, which operated alongside the remaining F-15C/D variants delivered earlier. Pilot training continued to evolve, utilizing platforms like the Pilatus PC-21 and the BAE Hawk. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules remained the workhorse of the transport fleet, supported by CASA/IPTN CN-235s and Raytheon King Air 350 light transports. Reconnaissance missions were undertaken by Tornadoes and F-15s equipped with specialized reconnaissance pods. The Boeing E-3A served as the Airborne Early Warning platform, operated by No. 18 Squadron RSAF.

The VIP transport fleet presented a diverse array of civil-registered aircraft, including the Airbus A330, Airbus A320, Boeing 737 and Boeing 747, Lockheed L-1011 TriStars, McDonnell Douglas MD-11s, and the G1159A, alongside the Lockheed L-100-30. The "HZ-" prefix used in the civilian registrations of these aircraft is a nod to the former name of the territory, Hejaz.

Between 1989 and 1991, the RSAF experienced the unfortunate loss of three Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft due to accidents, a stark reminder of the inherent risks in military aviation.

A comprehensive list of RSAF squadrons, as published in the September 1991 issue of Air Forces Monthly, included Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Tornado IDS), 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, and 29 Squadron (operating from Dhahran with Tornado ADVs); as well as 34, 37, 42, and 66 Squadrons.

Acquisitions in the 2000s and Beyond

The dawn of the 21st century saw continued modernization and expansion of the RSAF's capabilities. The Al Yamamah contract, though not without controversy due to alleged bribes, paved the way for significant future acquisitions. In December 2005, the RSAF declared its intention to purchase the Eurofighter Typhoon from BAE Systems. A memorandum of understanding was formally signed on August 18, 2006, for 72 aircraft, representing a deal valued between £6–10 billion. The Eurofighter Typhoon was part of a collaborative program involving France, Spain, and Germany. Notably, France eventually withdrew from the Typhoon project, proceeding to develop its own fighter, the Rafale.

The investigation into the Al Yamamah contract was subsequently suppressed by British Prime Minister Tony Blair in December 2006, citing "strategic interests" of the United Kingdom. Despite this, on September 17, 2007, Saudi Arabia finalized a £4.4 billion agreement with BAE Systems for the purchase of 72 Typhoons.

Further bolstering its air power, the United States signed a $29.4 billion deal on December 29, 2011, for the sale of 84 F-15s in the SA (Saudi Advanced) configuration. This comprehensive package included provisions for upgrading older F-15s to the SA standard, along with associated equipment and services.

In a move to enhance pilot training, the British defense firm BAE Systems agreed on May 23, 2012, to sell 22 BAE Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft to the RSAF for a total of £1.9 billion ($3 billion). This deal also encompassed simulators, ground support, training equipment, and spare parts. By April 2013, BAE Systems had delivered the first two of 24 ordered Typhoons to Saudi Arabia.

The increasing reliance on sophisticated aviation technology also brought concerns about cyber security. In 2013, the USAF extended an offer of security services to the Saudi Air Force, aiming to protect its assets from cyber warfare threats.

More recently, in March 2021, the RSAF initiated a joint military exercise with the US and Pakistani Air Forces, scheduled to run until April 10. This exercise was designed to foster the exchange of experiences and expertise between the participating nations.

Organizational Structure

The Royal Saudi Air Force is structured into nine Wings, strategically dispersed across seven Air Bases throughout the kingdom. These bases and their associated wings are:

The RSAF operates a vast array of squadrons, each with specific roles and aircraft assignments. These include:

Additionally, several squadrons have been noted as being out of service: 11 Squadron, 30 Squadron (Helicopters), 41 Squadron (King Air 350 Aerial Reconnaissance), 42 Squadron (F-15C and F-15D), and 66 Squadron (Tornado IDS).

Current Inventory and Capabilities

The RSAF's inventory reflects its commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced air force. Its combat aircraft include a substantial fleet of Eurofighter Typhoons, Panavia Tornados, and various models of the F-15 Eagle series, including the F-15SA variant. For airborne early warning and control, it operates Boeing E-3 Sentry and Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft.

Aerial refueling capabilities are provided by Boeing KC-707 (KE-3A), KC-130 Hercules variants, and the modern Airbus A330 MRTT (KC-30A). The transport fleet relies heavily on the C-130 Hercules family, complemented by various light transports and VIP aircraft. The helicopter inventory includes Bell 212, Bell 412, Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, and Eurocopter AS332 Cougar models.

Pilot training is conducted on advanced platforms such as the BAE Hawk, Pilatus PC-21, Cirrus SR22, and PAC MFI-17 Mushshak. The RSAF also operates a considerable number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including attack, surveillance, and reconnaissance drones. Saudi Arabia has actively pursued domestic drone manufacturing programs, such as the Saqr and Samoom projects, and has engaged in technology transfer agreements and joint ventures with international partners, including Italy for Selex Galileo Falco drones, China for Wing Loong drones, and Germany for EMT Luna X-2000 drones. Recent agreements include a significant export contract with Turkey for Baykar Bayraktar Akinci UCAVs.

Engagements and Conflicts

The RSAF has participated in numerous engagements throughout its history, reflecting the geopolitical landscape of the region. These include the Hejaz–Nejd War, the Al-Wadiah War, the Action of 5 June 1984, the Gulf War, and more recently, operations in the Syrian Civil War, the Houthi–Saudi Arabian conflict, the War against ISIS, and the ongoing Yemeni Civil War.

Command Structure

The ultimate authority rests with the King as the Commander-in-chief. Operational command is vested in the Chairman of the General Staff, currently Air Chief Marshal Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili. The Minister of Defense is Khalid bin Salman. The Commander of Royal Air Force is Lieutenant General Turki bin Bandar.

The RSAF has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a nascent force into a sophisticated air power, capable of projecting force and defending the kingdom's interests in a complex and dynamic region. Its continued investment in advanced technology and strategic partnerships underscores its commitment to maintaining air superiority.