The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is undergoing a significant modernization of its E-3 Sentry AWACS fleet. This upgrade is part of a broader initiative to enhance Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities and maintain interoperability with the United States Air Force (USAF). The RSAF, an all-volunteer force, has been a key ally to the US in the Middle East, supported by advanced joint air facilities.
Saudi Arabia operates a large fleet that includes Boeing F-15SA Eagles and Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules. The E-3 Sentry, based on the Boeing 707, plays a crucial role in regional air defense with its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). It remains vital despite newer models like Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye or Boeing E-7 Wedgetail.
The E-3 Sentry supports both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations by providing battle management and early warning capabilities. Its radar system can detect aircraft at long ranges, enhancing battlefield intelligence alongside other assets like intelligence satellites.
Historically, the AWACS have been central to US military efforts in the Persian Gulf region since their deployment in Saudi Arabia during the 1980s. They form part of an integrated defense network connected to US Navy ships via Link-16 data networking.
Saudi Arabia purchased five E-3A aircraft in 1983, with upgrades over the years including modifications for electronic intelligence gathering. Current modernization efforts are spearheaded by Saudi Arabia Military Industries (SAMI), aligned with “Saudi Vision 2030,” which aims to reinvest half of defense spending domestically.
Recent collaborations include SAMI’s agreement with Turkey’s Baykar to assemble unmanned aircraft systems in Saudi Arabia. SAMI has also partnered with ELT Group from Italy to expand local defense capabilities.
In 2025, SAMI will begin modernizing the RSAF’s AWACS avionics and electronic systems at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Asaad Al Jamoai, president of Boeing Saudi Arabia, emphasized improving mission readiness for this aging fleet. The upgrades will include new software developed by iAccess Technologies in the USA and aim to extend service life cost-effectively compared to acquiring new planes like the E-7 Wedgetail.
“This contract provides for production, training, and installation and checkout,” reported Janes.com in 2021. The modernization ensures functionality through its expected end of life in 2040.
