At the 2024 WDS this week, Vince Logsdon, Boeing's vice president of global business development and strategic marketing, said the company is offering 54 Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighters to meet the same requirements.
He said Boeing is also exploring converting 84 F-15SAs to the EX model, and possibly also converting 84 F-15S to the SA model.
Obviously, this would give improved commonality to the fleet, while the F-15EX also provides a more advanced radar and improved self-protection capabilities.
BAE Systems and the British government were not willing to talk about the Typhoon offer for Saudi Arabia, although BAE updated its statement about “current and potential new requirements” as “part of long-standing agreements between the UK government and Saudi Arabia,” acknowledging that the company It was "actively supporting the UK Government to respond to the Statement of Requirements issued by the Government of Saudi Arabia on future requirements for Typhoon aircraft."
This would indicate that there is a specific Saudi need for new Typhoon aircraft.
BAE Systems has not confirmed the number of aircraft on offer, nor the exact parameters/configurations. However, it is understood that the order is for 54 aircraft.
Providing Typhoon aircraft equipped with the European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk0 - similar to those being supplied to Qatar - could allow for rapid deliveries, with the possibility of upgrading these aircraft, or older Typhoons, to carry the more advanced ECRS.Mk2 radar, and obtain Large amounts of radar. Displays area cockpits, new mission computers and Striker II helmets.
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