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U.S.-Saudi defense relations:
Diplomatic and military relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States span five decades, and are rooted in a commitment between the countries to bring peace and stability to the region.
The strength of these ties is affirmed by Riyadh’s recent decision to spend $2.6 billion to up-grade its fleet of aging-F-15S “Eagle” fighter aircraft.
This strategic relationship began in 1943: when America discovered Axis powers were encroaching on the Middle East, President Franklin Roosevelt declared, "The defense of Saudi Arabia is vital to the defense of the United States." King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud, recognizing that his country – and the fate of its suspected oil wealth – faced an uncertain future unless he forged diplomatic relationships that would ensure the Kingdom's long-term survival, established diplomatic ties with a number of powers, including the United States.
The leaders of the two countries met aboard the U.S.S. Quincy in the Great Bitter Lake of the Suez Canal. At this historic encounter on February 14, 1945, King Abdulaziz and President Roosevelt recognized that their national interests shared a common ground, and began to forge a close relationship that has endured for over six decades.
From the beginning, the United States has cooperated with Saudi Arabia to meet its security requirements. It has provided the Kingdom with America's very best military training, know-how and technology.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been active in the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program since the 1950s, acquiring combat vehicles, surface vessels, small arms, aircraft, advanced electronics, and other materiel. Saudi soldiers, sailors and airmen have trained at military facilities throughout the United States.
The first major purchase of U.S. military aircraft by Saudi Arabia was when the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) purchased over 100 F-5 “Tiger” aircraft in the 1970s.
It should be noted that one of the early F-5 fighter pilots was Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who has been the Kingdom's Ambassador in Washington since 1983.
Over the years, the RSAF has repeatedly upgraded its air fleet with, when possible, American-made equipment, including the F-15S.
"It is evident that one of the bonds which will cement the U.S.-Saudi relationship in the 21st Century will be aerospace," said Joel L. Johnson of the Washington-based Aerospace Industrial Association. "For the next several years, at least 40-50,000 U.S. aerospace workers will depend for their livelihood on Saudi commercial and military orders."
General J.H. Binford Peay, III, U.S. Army (ret.) former commander in chief of the United States Central Command, also recognized that Saudi Arabia's abiding concern for military readiness is a product of the enormous security requirements facing the Kingdom. In an official proclamation congratulating the United States and Saudi Arabia on their "business partnership," Peay noted:
"The bonds forged in the danger and eventual victory during the Gulf War extend to the present. This is illustrated in the very close relationship that exists between U.S. Central Command and Saudi military forces.
"As we look to today's challenges, Saudi Arabia remains the largest and most influential nation in the region. In his role as the custodian of Islam's two most holy sites, King Fahd is entrusted with formidable responsibilities that transcend the borders of his own nation. Muslim nations worldwide look to Saudi Arabia for spiritual leadership and guidance on far reaching issues. Saudi Arabia also contributes significantly to the well being of fellow Muslim nations, underwriting the annual Hajj [pilgrimage] and supporting philanthropic, developmental, and educational activities.
"Saudi Arabia also remains the world's major oil producer, a role that it will play for the foreseeable future. With its large reserves, significant production capacity, expansive oil infrastructure, and close links to other Gulf oil producers, Saudi Arabia is central to achieving stable global economic development. This is true of both industrial and developing states, which rely on reasonable and stable oil prices to fuel economic expansion.
"Its role as a religious, regional, and economic leader has catapulted Saudi Arabia onto the world stage, where it has supported new initiatives designed to enhance global security and peace. Saudi Arabia has consistently supported peaceful resolution of international conflicts.
"It is these qualities of Saudi Arabia that cement its partnership with the United States."
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