US Approves $3 Billion F-15 Maintenance Sale to Saudi Arabia
The United States has approved a potential $3 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia for maintenance, parts, software support, and training related to the Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter fleet, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to Congress.
Key Elements of the Sale
The proposed F-15 sustainment package includes:
- Spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories
- Classified and unclassified software and software support
- Training for Saudi personnel
- Engineering, technical, and logistics support services
- Ground and personnel equipment
The DSCA delivered the required certification for the sale to the U.S. Congress on February 3, 2026.
According to the official notice, the sale is designed to sustain the operational readiness of the Saudi F-15 fleet, which numbers in the hundreds and makes Riyadh one of the largest operators of the type outside the U.S. Air Force.
Policy and Strategic Context
The State Department said the proposed transaction supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the defense capabilities of a major non-NATO ally in the Gulf region. It also noted that the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia was designated a major non-NATO ally by the United States in late 2025. That status can make it easier to export defense articles and services but still requires standard congressional review for high-value sales.
The F-15 sale comes in the wake of other recent defense notifications, including approval of Patriot air defense missile packages and multiple U.S. arms sales to Israel.
What Comes Next
Under U.S. law, Congress has a statutory review period after notification of a potential sale. Members of Congress can raise objections or seek hearings during that period before a final contract or Letter of Offer and Acceptance is signed.
If cleared, the package will involve U.S. defense firms supplying parts, training, and sustainment services, but no new combat aircraft or major weapons systems are part of this specific deal.
