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2024-03-06

Rafale, F-15EX, Typhoon vie for Saudi Skies

The Royal Saudi Air Force is reportedly considering three options for its fighter jet requirement: Dassault Rafale, Boeing F-15EX, and Eurofighter Typhoon.

The Eurofighter Typhoon, crafted by a quadrinational consortium comprising Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, encountered setbacks in a 2018 contract for 48 aircraft owing to a German export ban.

Reports suggest that this impediment has been lifted. It may be noted that Saudi Arabia had previously taken delivery of an initial batch of 72 Typhoons spanning the period from June 2009 to June 2017. Last October, Saudi Arabia officially requested a detailed quote from Dassault for 54 Rafale fighters with a deadline of November 10.

During the recent World Defense Show (WDS) event, Boeing’s Vice President of Global Business Development and Strategic Marketing, Vince Logsdon, announced that the company is proposing 54 Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighters to fulfil the existing requirement.

Logsdon mentioned Boeing’s exploration of converting 84 existing F-15SA aircraft to the EX configuration, and adapting the 84 F-15S aircraft currently undergoing conversion to the SA standard. The F-15EX is highlighted for its advanced radar and improved self-protection capabilities.

BAE Systems, in collaboration with the UK Government, is supporting Saudi Arabia’s request for a future Typhoon aircraft requirement, acknowledging a potential need for 54 aircraft. Specific details regarding the offering’s quantity and configurations remain unconfirmed.

Rafale: Agile Defender

The Rafale, renowned for its versatile “Omnirole” capabilities, aligns seamlessly with the evolving preferences of numerous governments. Addressing a broad spectrum of roles with efficiency, it engages in Quick Reaction Alert, air defence, nuclear deterrence, power projection, deep strike, ground support, reconnaissance, and pilot training missions.

Featuring maximum commonality in airframe and equipment, the single-seat Rafale C, two-seat Rafale B, and Navy single-seat Rafale M demonstrate consistent mission capabilities.

In December 2023, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) granted Dassault Aviation a contract for 42 Rafale combat aircraft, termed “tranche 5,” bolstering the French Air Force. Positioned as a technical, operational, and commercial triumph, the Rafale sustains France’s global standing in combat aircraft.

Designed for adaptability, ongoing developments such as Standard 4 with enhanced connectivity and the upcoming launch of Standard 5 underscore its commitment to incorporating cutting-edge technologies to meet user requirements. With a robust export market presence spanning seven countries and the recent “tranche 5” contract, the Rafale ensures production stability for the next decade.

Tactical Dominance of F-15EX

Boasting top-tier payload, range, and speed, the F-15EX emerges as a foundational asset for current and future tactical fighter fleets.

With a 29,500 lbs. payload capacity, including outsized weapons, the F-15EX offers cost-effective mass to counter evolving threats. Coupled with extended range, modern sensors, and an advanced electronic warfare suite, it poses multiple challenges for peer adversaries.

The F-15EX’s extended shooting range surpasses any other U.S. Air Force fighter, and its distinctive ability to carry 12 AMRAAMs or other large ordinance sets it apart.

By redefining how to achieve and maintain a state of low detectability using innovative electronic warfare tools, it does not sacrifice payload for survivability. It serves as a long-range standoff weapons system that is capable of penetrating and surviving in highly contested environments.

With low operating costs compared to other fighters yet four times the weapons payload and twice the fuel, range and speed, the F-15EX represents a modern solution that global Air Forces can field within their schedule.

It is designed for interoperability within the joint force. It’s a lethal, survivable weapons system that provides the range, manoeuvrability and lethality where & when it matters– across the entire mission profile – to deter and defeat aggression.

European Fighter Powerhouse

The Eurofighter Typhoon consortium is built on the strength of four European nations: UK, Germany, Italy and Spain, and their leading aerospace and defence companies: Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo. This partnership allows equal access to shared manufacturing, development and the creation of long-lasting political and industrial relations.

Currently, the aircraft is in service with five European Nations and four Nations in the Arabian Gulf. It is fully interoperable with U.S. legacy platforms and provides modern air forces with a strategic advantage in a combining multi-platform fleet.

Eurofighter customers, committed to long-term programme investments, are actively exploring additional aircraft acquisitions, including new builds in Europe through 2035.

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