The Sale of Sixty F-15s to Saudi Arabia
Abstract
An analysis of the proposed sale cf F-15s to Saudi Arabia was based on the 1974 Department of Defense DOD) survey of Saudi Arabia's defense needs, the March 1978 DOD analysis supporting the F-15 sale, and a study by the Department-of State of the military balance and military technology capacities in the Persian Gulf region. The information obtained indicated that the Saudis do have a valid need to replace aging aircraft; the F-15 is the only readily available U.S. aircraft that meets the criteria established by the Saudi Arabian Government, i.e., two engines, single crew, all weather look down-shoot down radar and missile; and the proposed Middle East arms sales package will not have a significant impact, in terms of numbers of aircraft, or. the balance of power in that area. Events leading to the proposed sale were outlined from a June 1974 DOD survey of the Saudis' defense forces to a formal request by the Saudis on ay 15, 1977, for 60 F-15s and DOD's August 1977 statement advising Secretary Vance that the sale was considered appropriate. The key factor in DOD's selection of the F-15 rather than other options considered as that it required a lower number of trained or trainable personnel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 04, 1978
- Accession Number
- AD1102970
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office