US Approves Potential $3 Billion F-15 Sustainment Sale to Saudi Arabia

U.S. State Department Greenlights F-15 Sustainment Package

The U.S. State Department has given its approval for a potential $3 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This significant defense package is intended to support the sustainment of the Royal Saudi Air Force's (RSAF) F-15 fighter jet fleet. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification to the U.S. Congress on February 3, 2026, formally initiating the congressional review process.

Details of the Sustainment Package

The proposed sale focuses on maintaining the operational readiness and longevity of Saudi Arabia's F-15 aircraft. It includes a comprehensive range of non-major defense equipment and services. Key components of the package are:

• Spares and repair parts
• Consumables and accessories
• Repair and return support
• Ground and personnel equipment
• Classified and unclassified software and software support
• Technical publications and documentation
• Personnel training and training equipment
• U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services

The RSAF operates a substantial F-15 fleet, estimated at 210 aircraft, making it the second-largest F-15 operator globally after the U.S. Air Force. This fleet comprises various models, including F-15SA, locally upgraded F-15SR jets, and older F-15C/D variants.

Strategic Rationale and Regional Impact

The U.S. government stated that this proposed sale aligns with its foreign policy and national security objectives. By enhancing the security of Saudi Arabia, a 'Major non-NATO Ally,' the sale aims to bolster political stability and economic progress in the Gulf Region. Officials emphasized that the equipment and support will 'enhance Saudi Arabia's capability to deter current and future threats.' The Pentagon explicitly noted that the sale 'will not alter the military balance in the region.'

This approval follows a recent $9 billion sale of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) missiles to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia was officially designated a major non-NATO ally in November 2025, granting it preferential access to U.S. defense materiel. The implementation of this sale may necessitate the presence of a small number of civilian contractors or long-term U.S. military personnel in the Kingdom.