United States Air Force Contributions to Saudi Arabian Air Defense: Present Needs and Future Options

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA217293 | Open PDF

Abstract:

This report discusses the background that has led to the longterm augmentation of the Royal Saudi Air Forces RSAF air defense system with a detachment of deployed US E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System AWACS aircraft which began in September 1980. The regional and global threats to Saudi Arabia are examined, as are the weaknesses present in the RSAF air defense system in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Planned improvements to Saudi air defense under the PEACE SENTINEL and PEACE SHIELD Foreign Military Sales programs are detailed along with the current status of both programs. Recognizing the growing organic air defense capabilities of the Saudi Air Force, an assessment is made with respect to the present and future need for continued active involvement of US AWACS in the defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Specific recommendations regarding continued US augmentation are made for a variety of threat scenarios. Keywords Military assistance Deterrence Airborne warningcontrol system AWACS aircraft Threat evaluation Saudi Arabia Foreign military sales Logistics support Military training Resource allocations deployment.

Author(s):
Nelson, Michael A. ; O'neill, Thomas P.
Author Organization(s):
AIR WAR COLL MAXWELL AFB AL
Descriptive Note:
Research rept.
Pagination:
0055

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_7_Protection; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_7.1.1_Prevent Kinetic Attack; JCA_7.1_Prevent; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_4.1_Deployment and Distribution; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_5.1_Organize; JCA_5.1.1_Establish and Maintain Unity of Effort with Mission Partners
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
*FOREIGN MILITARY SALES, *MILITARY ASSISTANCE, *AIR DEFENSE, *ELECTRONIC AIRCRAFT, GLOBAL, CONTROL SYSTEMS, MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN), THREATS, AUGMENTATION, LONG RANGE(TIME), THREAT EVALUATION, ALLOCATIONS, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, MILITARY TRAINING, SAUDI ARABIA, DETERRENCE, DEPLOYMENT, AIR FORCE, LOGISTICS SUPPORT, AIRBORNE WARNING AND CONTROL SYSTEM, SCENARIOS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Aircraft, Defense Systems
Keyword(s):
E 3 AIRCRAFT
Report Date:
1989 May 01