Saudi Arabia Sets New Airpower Benchmark With Plan to Acquire 60 F-15EX and 48 F-35 Fighters Under Vision 2030 Modernisation Drive

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Saudi Arabia is undertaking one of the most consequential air-force modernisation drives in the history of the Middle East, with plans to acquire 60 Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighters alongside 48 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth jets in a strategic procurement shift that will redefine air superiority dynamics across the region.

This sweeping multi-billion-dollar plan, emerging from Saudi defence circles and strongly reinforced by diplomatic activity between Riyadh and Washington, signals a decisive leap in the Royal Saudi Air Force’s (RSAF) combat power as the Kingdom navigates escalating threats from Iran, Houthi missile forces, and a rapidly evolving regional strategic environment.

The timing of this acquisition is deeply significant, coming as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman intensifies high-level engagements with the Trump administration to anchor a long-term defence and technology partnership that strengthens Saudi sovereignty while expanding US geopolitical leverage across the Middle East.

The proposed procurement, estimated to exceed USD 142 billion (RM 674 billion) when bundled with training, weapons, support systems, and long-term sustainment, reinforces a renewed strategic alignment that could profoundly reshape regional deterrence, Israel’s qualitative military edge, and the broader balance of power extending from the Gulf to the Indo-Pacific.

This modernisation push arrives at a moment when the RSAF seeks to transition from legacy fourth-generation platforms to a hybrid fleet capable of operating in highly contested environments dominated by advanced Iranian air defences, long-range missile systems, and an expanding ecosystem of unmanned aerial threats.

The acquisition aligns precisely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objective of defence diversification, local industrial participation, and reduced reliance on legacy European and US platforms by integrating Saudi defence firms into advanced American production ecosystems.

RSAF Strengthens Strategic Depth as Regional Threats Intensify

Saudi Arabia’s air force has long represented one of the most formidable military aviation capabilities in the Arab world, fielding more than 230 combat aircraft across F-15 variants, Eurofighter Typhoons, and Panavia Tornado strike platforms in a fleet built to maintain superiority over Iran and project power across a volatile regional environment.

The Kingdom’s extensive F-15SA fleet, comprising approximately 84 advanced variants acquired through a USD 29.4 billion (RM 139.6 billion) agreement in 2010, provided a technological step change through modern fly-by-wire controls, digital avionics, and precision strike enhancements, yet these capabilities now face mounting pressure from a shifting threat landscape.

The 2019 drone-and-missile attack on Aramco’s Abqaiq and Khurais facilities, conducted using low-flying cruise missiles and loitering munitions that penetrated Saudi defences, catalysed a strategic reassessment within Riyadh on the necessity of stealth fighters, integrated air-and-missile defence networks, and a broader multi-layered deterrence posture.

Iran’s accelerated development of ballistic missiles, UAV swarms, cruise missiles, and now emerging hypersonic systems such as Fattah has expanded the threat envelope, forcing Saudi planners to prioritise platforms capable of pre-emptive deep-strike missions and resilient operations against sophisticated Iranian integrated air defence systems.

The RSAF’s experience countering Houthi drone attacks and Iranian-origin cruise missiles in Yemen has exposed gaps in situational awareness, airbase protection, and the ability to conduct persistent surveillance and long-range interdiction in an era of rapid escalation cycles.

The Biden-era freeze on F-35 discussions following the Khashoggi affair effectively halted Riyadh’s ambitions for a next-generation stealth capability for several years, but the Trump administration’s 2024 election victory unlocked renewed momentum as Washington re-positions Saudi Arabia as a central counterweight to Iran and a stabilising force against expanding Chinese influence.

A major breakthrough was achieved on 4 November 2025, when a Pentagon intelligence assessment cleared a key export-control barrier for Saudi access to the F-35, opening the path for a proposed package that could include up to 48 aircraft in a program potentially worth USD 142 billion (RM 674 billion) with support and sustainment.

Concurrent negotiations for the F-15EX, driven by both operational need and Boeing’s industrial cooperation offers, reflect a strategic dual-track approach whereby the RSAF enhances both its stealth penetration capability and its conventional high-payload strike capacity under a single integrated procurement vision.

F-35 Lightning II: Saudi Arabia Eyes Stealth Dominance in High-Threat Environments

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II marks Saudi Arabia’s entry into the elite club of stealth-fighter operators, bringing advanced fifth-generation capabilities that transform the Kingdom’s ability to conduct air superiority, electronic warfare, precision strike, and intelligence-surveillance missions in contested Iranian airspace.

The planned acquisition of 48 F-35A CTOL variants represents a radical shift upward in Saudi qualitative capability, introducing a multi-role platform optimised for survivability against dense air defence networks such as Iran’s S-300PMU-2 and prospective Russian S-400 systems.

The F-35’s low-observable design dramatically reduces radar cross-section, allowing Saudi pilots to operate deep inside defended Iranian airspace where conventional fourth-generation fighters would face prohibitive risk in the opening hours of a conflict.

The aircraft’s AN/APG-81 AESA radar, combined with its electro-optical targeting system and distributed aperture system, creates a 360-degree fused battlespace picture, enabling Saudi pilots to detect threats long before adversaries become aware of their presence.

The F-35’s internal weapons bay allows for up to 5,700 pounds of precision weapons to be carried in full stealth configuration, with the option to expand firepower to more than 18,000 pounds on external hardpoints in non-stealth operations.

This stealth-plus-firepower combination gives Riyadh an unprecedented first-strike capacity in scenarios involving Iranian nuclear infrastructure, ballistic-missile bases, and IRGC-QF command assets across the Gulf.

The F-35’s MADL secure data link enhances network-centric warfare capability, allowing Saudi F-35s to share targeting data with American assets, Gulf allies, and future Saudi AWACS systems for coordinated strike packages under a unified kill-chain architecture.

The platform’s USD 80 million (RM 380 million) unit price belies a total program cost exceeding USD 10 billion (RM 47.5 billion) once training, maintenance infrastructure, and sensitive technology handling requirements are incorporated, reflecting the sophistication of US stealth-technology export controls.

The acquisition places Saudi Arabia alongside Indo-Pacific powers such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia, all of which deploy the F-35 as their primary deterrent against advanced Chinese and North Korean threats.

The deal has triggered alarm in Israel, which argues that Saudi access to the F-35 could narrow its qualitative military edge despite possessing 75 F-35I Adir units, and Israeli officials remain concerned over the technological proximity between Saudi defence industries and Chinese investment networks.

US defence officials continue to highlight the risk of Chinese espionage targeting F-35 technology through cyber penetration or industrial cooperation pathways, particularly given Huawei’s extensive footprint in Saudi digital infrastructure.

F-15EX Eagle II: Saudi Arabia Strengthens Its Heavy Strike and Air Superiority Backbone

The F-15EX Eagle II provides Riyadh with a heavy-hitting dual-seat multirole fighter capable of carrying the region’s largest air-launched weapons payload, making it the ideal complement to the F-35’s stealth penetration capability in a high-low mix that maximises combat flexibility.

Saudi Arabia’s proposed acquisition of 60 F-15EX units builds upon decades of experience operating the F-15 platform, enabling seamless integration into RSAF training pipelines, maintenance ecosystems, and operational doctrines.

The F-15EX’s ADCP-II mission computer is the fastest ever integrated into an American fighter, enabling rapid sensor-fusion, adaptable mission software, and real-time processing of high-density threat information.

The EPAWSS electronic warfare suite provides Saudi pilots with enhanced survivability against Iranian radar, missile-tracking systems, and anti-access/area-denial networks, giving Riyadh a powerful tool for escort and suppression-of-enemy-air-defence (SEAD) missions.

The aircraft’s nearly 30,000-pound weapons payload allows Saudi Arabia to field stand-off missiles, hypersonic weapons such as the AGM-183 ARRW, long-range anti-ship missiles, and heavy precision-guided munitions ideally suited for penetrating hardened Iranian command facilities.

With a top speed of Mach 2.5, the F-15EX remains one of the fastest operational fighters in the world, enabling rapid response and long-range strike capability in scenarios requiring immediate air superiority over the Gulf.

Boeing’s production line expansion, projected to double capacity by 2026, aligns with Saudi demands for rapid delivery schedules and potential local industrial participation.

The aircraft’s extended 20,000-hour airframe life significantly reduces sustainment costs over its operational lifespan and enhances fleet readiness.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 defence-industrial agenda positions the F-15EX as a key platform for technology transfer, with Boeing expressing interest in integrating Saudi firms into its global supply chain beginning in May 2025.

Together, the F-35 and F-15EX give Riyadh a dominant two-tier airpower structure: stealth fighters to blind enemy defences and heavy strike platforms to deliver massive precision firepower.

Strategic Implications for the Middle East and Asia-Pacific

This dual acquisition positions Saudi Arabia to operate one of the most advanced fighter fleets in the world, second only to the United States and on par with leading allies in NATO and the Indo-Pacific.

The combined fleet of stealth and heavy-strike platforms enables Riyadh to neutralise Iranian S-300/S-400 systems, disrupt IRGC command networks, strike nuclear-related infrastructure, and dominate the aerial battlespace in any Gulf contingency.

The deal accelerates a regional arms race, prompting the UAE — which already operates F-35s — to consider expanding its fleet, while Qatar’s powerful F-15QA force sets a competitive benchmark for Gulf airpower.

Israel, despite objections, is expected to receive compensatory upgrades from Washington to maintain its strategic edge, including enhanced missile defence systems, additional F-35I units, or early access to sixth-generation technologies.

Across Southeast Asia, Saudi Arabia’s procurement sends a clear signal to nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia, both of which are exploring advanced airpower modernisation paths, with the F-15EX emerging as a potential game-changing platform.

Riyadh’s purchases may influence US export policy in Asia, particularly as Washington seeks to counterbalance Chinese influence in the region by supporting allied access to US high-end platforms.

Saudi–US relations under Trump continue to emphasise “peace through strength,” with the president openly stating, “They wanna buy a lot of jets,” reinforcing political momentum behind the sale.

Congressional approval remains a challenge due to human rights objections and Yemen conflict concerns, though the strategic value of the deal may incentivise bipartisan compromise.

US security agencies continue to insist on strict safeguards regarding Saudi–China technological cooperation, especially in cybersecurity and telecommunications.

Challenges Ahead and the Road to 2030 Operational Capability

Saudi Arabia faces a multi-year integration process that includes pilot training on advanced F-35 simulators, construction of high-security hangars, and establishment of specialised sustainment hubs for stealth technologies.

Full operational capability for both fighter types is expected by 2030, coinciding with Vision 2030’s peak defence-industrial milestones.

The program substantially boosts American defence manufacturers, with Lockheed Martin and Boeing gaining major revenue streams that support domestic production and workforce expansion.

For Riyadh, the deal diversifies its military acquisition portfolio beyond European partners and strengthens national defence industries through offset requirements and local industry participation.

This procurement marks a watershed moment in Saudi defence strategy, enhancing long-range deterrence, deepening US strategic ties, and dramatically expanding the Kingdom’s role in shaping regional stability.

While risks concerning technology security, regional escalation, and political opposition remain, the acquisition of both the F-15EX and F-35 has the potential to anchor a new era of Saudi-led security architecture across the Middle East.

The world now watches as negotiations continue, determining whether this transformative airpower agreement will redefine the balance of power in the Middle East or encounter turbulence on its path to approval. — DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA