Boeing on June 26 received a $1.8 billion foreign military sales contract from the Air Force to supply 68 kits to convert Saudi Arabian F-15 fighters to the new advanced F-15SA configuration, announced the Pentagon in its daily list of major contracts. The contract also covers associated equipment and services. This work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013, according to the Defense Department. This modernization of the existing Saudi F-15 force is part of a broader $29.4 billion FMS package, under which the Saudis also will acquire 84 new-build F-15SA aircraft from Boeing. (See also Robins has Big Role in Saudi F-15 Work.)
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.