Article Posted on : - May 02, 2013

F-15. A Boeing photo.

ST. LOUIS (BNS): Boeing has rolled out the F-15SA, ushering in a new era in fighter aircraft capability and affordability for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to Boeing, the F-15SA, the newest variant of the combat-proven F-15, provides improved performance and increased survivability at a lower life-cycle cost.

The aircraft has two additional wing stations for increased payload and capability.

"We look forward to receiving the advanced capabilities of the F-15SA aircraft to continue to protect the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Lt. Gen. Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Ayeesh, commander, Royal Saudi Air Force.

Flight testing began in 2013 on the F-15SA. The Royal Saudi Air Force has operated F-15S fighters since the 1990s.

"The F-15SA will enhance the national security objectives of both the United States and the Kingdom with improved interoperability and common training and support well into the 21st century," said Lt. Gen. C D Moore, the U S Air Force's decision authority for the F-15SA programme.