Royal Saudi Air Force

The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is among the most capable and well-funded air forces in the Middle East. Primarily reliant on American and British military hardware, the RSAF is equipped with high-end aircraft like the F-15 and the Eurofighter Typhoon. These platforms are predominantly designed for air superiority and interdiction roles, reflecting Saudi Arabia's focus on maintaining aerial dominance and the capability to strike deep into enemy territory.

The Saudi Air Force has also invested in specialized aircraft for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C). These assets collectively provide a multi-layered operational capability, allowing the RSAF to conduct complex missions that span from real-time intelligence gathering to tactical and strategic strikes.

Saudi Arabia's participation in various regional conflicts, particularly the Yemeni Civil War, has demonstrated both the strengths and weaknesses of its Air Force. On one hand, the RSAF has showcased its ability to conduct sustained air campaigns and long-range strikes. On the other hand, the effectiveness of these operations has sometimes been called into question, particularly regarding accuracy and collateral damage.

The RSAF's focus on high-quality hardware and cutting-edge technology is double-edged. While it provides a qualitative edge, it also makes the force heavily dependent on external suppliers for maintenance and spare parts, most notably the United States. This dependency can be a point of vulnerability, subjecting the RSAF to potential supply disruptions due to geopolitical tensions or changes in foreign policy by its suppliers.

Training and readiness are other areas where the RSAF has sought to improve. Collaboration with the United States and other allies in joint exercises has been a cornerstone in honing the skills of Saudi pilots and crews. However, the RSAF still faces a learning curve, particularly in areas like mission planning, complex air operations, and minimizing civilian casualties.

Strategically, the RSAF plays an essential role in Saudi Arabia's efforts to counterbalance regional rivals, most notably Iran. The power projection capabilities of the RSAF are integral to Saudi security doctrine, serving both as a deterrent and as an instrument of direct military action when required.

Key facts

Official Name	Royal Saudi Air Force
Local Name	القوات الجوية الملكية السعودية (Al Quwwāt al Jawwīyah al Malakīyah as Saʿūdīyah)
Country	🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
World rank	#12
Active aircrafts	897 (as of 2024)
Aircrafts on order	426
Roundel

Number of active aircrafts by type

Aircraft type	Active
Combat aircrafts	364
Helicopters	258
Training	190
Transport	49
Tankers	22
Special missions	14

Aircrafts most used by Saudi Arabian air forces

Aircraft	Active	Type
F-15E Strike Eagle	232	American all-weather multirole strike fighter, prominent in the Gulf War for precision strike and deep interdiction missions.
Tornado	81	European multirole combat aircraft, renowned for operational history in Gulf War and Balkans conflict.
UH-60 Black Hawk	79	American utility helicopter, renowned for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, extensively employed for troop transport and medical evacuation.
Typhoon	72	European multirole fighter, renowned for service in multinational military operations since late 20th century, noted for superior air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities.
Hawk	69	British trainer jet, distinguished in Red Arrows aerobatic team, extensively operational since the 1970s worldwide.
PC-21	55	Swiss trainer aircraft, known for deployments in military aviation schools around the world since the early 21st century.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey"	36	American utility helicopter, essential in the Vietnam War, extensively employed for medevac, transport, and combat operations.
MD-500	35	American light helicopter, renowned during the Cold War era, predominantly deployed for law enforcement and utility applications.
AH-64 Apache	34	American attack helicopter, developed during the Cold War, most famous for significant deployments in Gulf War and Afghanistan conflict.
C-130 Hercules	33	American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.

Full inventory in 2024