Sat, Dec 31, 2011
Announcement Seen As A Slap At Iranian Sword-Rattling
The Obama Administration has confirmed persistent rumors of the
approval of a significant sale of F-15 Eagle fighter jets to the
Saudis. According to a statement released by Principal Deputy Press
Secretary Joshua Earnest, "The United States and the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia have signed a government-to-government agreement under
the Foreign Military Sales program to provide advanced F-15SA
combat aircraft to the Royal Saudi Air Force.
Valued at $29.4 billion, this agreement includes production
of 84 new aircraft and the modernization of 70 existing aircraft as
well as munitions, spare parts, training, maintenance and
logistics. These F-15SA aircraft, manufactured by The Boeing
Company, are among the most sophisticated and capable aircraft in
the world.
This agreement will positively impact the U.S. economy and
further advances the president's commitment to create jobs by
increasing exports. According to industry experts, this
agreement will support more than 50,000 American jobs, engaging 600
suppliers in 44 states, and providing $3.5 billion in annual
economic impact to the U.S. economy.
This agreement reinforces the strong and enduring
relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, and
demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a strong Saudi defense
capability as a key component to regional security."
"We are excited about this program and the increased capability
it will bring to Saudi Arabia, a strategically important partner in
the Middle East region," said Heidi Grant, the deputy
undersecretary of the Air Force for International Affairs.
"Building partner capacity is becoming even more important and the
Royal Saudi Air Force is undertaking a vast effort to not only
modernize their fighter fleet but to invest heavily in quality
training."
As part of the agreement, Saudi airmen will be attending Air Force
technical training courses at a number of Air Force installations,
including Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and Keesler AFB, Miss.
Saudi airmen will train alongside their U.S. Air Force
counterparts, enriching training for both countries and enhancing
an already strong relationship between the two countries.
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