Iran Still Demonstrates Strike Capability as Missile Attack Damages U.S. Tankers at Saudi Base

 

Despite ongoing military pressure, Iran appears to retain the ability to launch significant retaliatory strikes across the region. According to a report by the The Wall Street Journal, an Iranian missile attack in recent days struck Prince Sultan Air Base, damaging several U.S. Air Force aerial refueling aircraft on the ground.

Citing U.S. officials, the report states that five American tanker aircraft were hit during the strike. While the aircraft were not destroyed, they reportedly sustained damage and required repairs. The exact models involved were not specified, though the aircraft are believed to be either Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker or Boeing KC‑46 Pegasus, both commonly deployed to support operations in the Middle East.

Prince Sultan Air Base is a major regional hub for U.S. and coalition air operations, hosting aircraft involved in air defense, surveillance, and strike missions across the Gulf region. The presence of aerial refueling aircraft at the base is particularly important, as tankers enable fighter jets, bombers, and reconnaissance aircraft to operate over long distances and maintain sustained air operations.

The reported damage to multiple tankers highlights an important aspect of the current confrontation: Iran still retains the capacity to strike strategic military infrastructure beyond its borders. Even limited damage to high-value support aircraft can complicate operational planning, as aerial refueling assets are critical to maintaining the tempo of modern air campaigns.

Military analysts often note that tanker aircraft represent one of the most sensitive elements of Western airpower. Unlike fighters, they are few in number and typically operate from a limited number of bases. As a result, attacks targeting tanker fleets—especially when they are parked on the ground—can have disproportionate operational effects.

The incident also illustrates the broader dynamics of the ongoing confrontation. Although the United States maintains overwhelming conventional military superiority, Iran’s strategy relies heavily on asymmetric capabilities, including ballistic missiles, drones, and dispersed launch platforms designed to survive sustained air strikes.

Whether these strikes significantly affect the operational balance remains unclear. However, the reported attack on Prince Sultan Air Base underscores that, at least for now, Iran continues to demonstrate the ability to conduct regional strikes and impose costs on opposing forces.

From Cold War Icon to Modern Warfare, The Panavia Tornado Turns 50

On August 14, 2024, the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Panavia Tornado was celebrated. This iconic supersonic combat aircraft was developed during the height of the Cold War by a British-German-Italian consortium. Over five decades, nearly 1,000 units were produced in various versions, including IDS for ground attack, ADS for air defense, and ECR for electronic warfare and reconnaissance.

The Tornado entered service in 1979 and quickly became a cornerstone of the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. Although initially designed to counter the Soviet threat in Europe, the Tornado played an active role in numerous post-Cold War conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. During the Gulf War in 1991, for example, the Tornado conducted low-altitude bombing missions in a highly dangerous environment, proving its effectiveness and robustness in combat.

Currently, both Germany's Luftwaffe and Italy's Aeronautica Militare continue to operate Tornados, although both countries plan to replace them with the F-35A. Italy expects to retire its last Tornado by 2025, while Germany plans to do so between 2026 and 2030. The UK's Royal Air Force retired its last Tornados in 2019, marking the end of an era.

The Tornado also had one export customer, Saudi Arabia, which acquired 120 of these aircraft, with approximately 80 still in operation. Besides its combat role, the Tornado has undergone continuous upgrades and modernizations over the years to maintain its relevance in the face of evolving threats.

In March 2024, the German Air Force and Airbus unveiled a special livery on one of the remaining Tornados in service, in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of this remarkable aircraft, which remains a testament to international collaboration and engineering excellence.

Potential lifting of Eurofighter sales ban to Saudi Arabia by Germany may facilitate Spain's opportunity to market A400 military transport aircraft.

The German government is no longer concerned over a proposed sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoons jets to Saudi Arabia, following the kingdom’s help intercepting Houthi-fired missiles aimed at Israel, according to German media reports.

The German Foreign Minister has expressed during a visit to Jerusalem that the German government might lift its veto on the sale of 48 Eurofighter combat planes to Saudi Arabia due to Saudi efforts to "contain the risk of a regional conflagration" against Israel following Hamas' terrorist attacks in October.

The sales operation is led by BAE Systems, which would be responsible for the assembly and delivery of the Eurofighters according to the global distribution among program partners for sales to third countries.

Several German government ministers and other high-ranking officials have supported this idea, under the premise that this sale will bolster Israel's defense.

The policy of Germany’s governing coalition — composed of the Social Democratic, the Green and the Free Democratic parties — was to prohibit weapons sales to parties involved in Yemen’s civil war. Saudi Arabia supports the Yemen government in fighting Houthi rebels, who have aligned themselves with Hamas against Israel. Berlin’s blockade was also grounded in human rights violations committed by Riyadh.

In 2021, the German government ratified the embargo on arms sales to Saudi Arabia imposed after the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and subsequently extended due to human rights violations in the country and the war against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Germany, as a co-producer of the jets along with the U.K., Spain and Italy, can veto Eurofigher sales and spares to countries outside of the core user group. The aircraft are made by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo.

Saudi Arabia has aircraft manufactured with Airbus origins, including Tornado aircraft (77 active out of 120 acquired), Eurofighter (71 active out of 72), C295 (4), and A330MRTT (6).

If Germany formalizes the end of this veto, it would not automatically mean that Saudi Arabia purchases the Eurofighters. As a result of the veto, the Saudi government is negotiating the possible purchase of 54 Dassault Rafale aircraft.

One country that would benefit considerably from the lifting of this veto would be Spain, as this would mean Saudi Arabia could acquire A400M transports, whose sale was confirmed before the German veto.

In fact, in July 2023, the German government already eased restrictions on the occasional sale of military material to Saudi Arabia, except for combat aircraft, and provided that the material is not used in the war with Yemen or actions related to human rights violations.

At that time, it was stated that each sale would be analyzed individually. This announcement was made during a NATO meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. He stated in his press statements at the end of the meeting that the sale of Eurofighters to Saudi Arabia was not on his government's agenda in the foreseeable future. Another source close to the German government, under anonymity, confirmed that the authorization for the sale would not occur during the current legislative term ending in late 2025.

Saudi Arabia Plans Acquisition of 33 C-390 Millennium Aircraft to Replace Aging C-130 Hercules Fleet

In a milestone that signals a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in defense and security, Saudi Arabia's SAMI Investment Fund has initiated negotiations to acquire up to 33 Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. This ambitious project will also encompass establishing comprehensive personnel training and maintenance capacity for Embraer aircraft throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SAMI, Saudi Arabia's defense and security enterprise, and Embraer, the Brazilian aviation giant, aims to expand both companies' operational presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The primary focus will be to promote the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and provide support to the kingdom's Ministry of Defense.

A key aspect of the agreement is the establishment of comprehensive maintenance capacity for Embraer aircraft within the Kingdom. This not only ensures the optimal performance of the C-390 Millennium fleet but also supports Saudi Arabia's endeavors towards defense self-sufficiency, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Engineer Walid A. Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: "It is another significant step in SAMI's efforts to support Saudi Vision 2030 in strengthening the Kingdom's defense self-sufficiency and contributing to localizing 50% of defense spending in the Kingdom by 2030."

Moreover, the agreement entails exploring the possibility of establishing a regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center, as well as an exclusive Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Embraer C-390 Millennium. This initiative not only solidifies Embraer's presence in the region but also serves as a platform for integrating specific mission systems for Saudi aircraft and potential clients in the region.

The strategic timing of this agreement is notable as Saudi Arabia assesses the replacement of its older fleet of 33 C-130H Hercules aircraft, with the Embraer C-390 Millennium emerging as a potential candidate for this replacement. This step could mark a significant milestone for the C-390 program, which has been gaining momentum in the international market.

The collaboration between SAMI and Embraer not only strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in the aerospace industry but also aims to bolster Saudi Arabia's self-reliance and defensive capability in line with its long-term strategic objectives.

Middle East Conflict May Prompt Germany to Lift Ban on Sale of 48 Eurofighters to Saudi Arabia

According to 'Financial Times' 'Financial Times' the Israel-Hamas war has reignited a debate in Germany’s coalition government whether to lift its ban on the sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

Germany has vetoed the export of the jets since 2018 for the role of Saudi Arabia in the war in Yemen and the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 

Typhoons are built by an UK, German, Italian and Spanish consortium and each country can veto exports of the planes to other nations. The UK, whith historic defence ties to Riyadh and has sold 72 jets to the kingdom, has been trying to secure a follow-on order for several years.

The dramatic change in the security situation in the Middle East, pressure from European allies and a change in perception about the role played by Saudi Arabia in ensuring regional stability, has begun to tilt the balance of thinking in Berlin, according to people familiar with the discussions at four different ministries in the German capital, however no final decision has been taken. 

At the behest of the German Green party, the ban on weapons sales to Saudi Arabia is a part of the coalition agreement that underpins the government of chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Greens remain staunchly opposed to lifting the ban.

A decision would have to be agreed by the German federal security council — a body on which the Greens hold two of seven seats. Its decision making rules are a state secret.  

The debate is not new. More hawkish figures in Scholz’s cabinet have long pushed for the veto to be dropped. Until now the political calculus behind such a revision has been unfavourable. As recently as July, Scholz ruled out any possibility of Typhoon sales to Riyadh. 

But Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, as well as Scholz are increasingly supportive of a change in policy over military sales to Saudi Arabia. So are ministers from the liberal Free Democrats, the third coalition party. They all want to seize the opportunity presented by the Middle East conflict to reopen the discussion on the ban.

Berlin’s change of tack could prove diplomatically awkward: Turkey, a Nato ally, has also asked to buy 40 Typhoons, and Germany has refused. Making the case that Riyadh is a more sound regional partner than Ankara and deserving of a big arms deal risks aggravating tense relations with Turkey.

In a sign of the mounting external pressure on Berlin, Britain this month resubmitted an earlier offer to sell 48 new Typhoon aircraft to Saudi, three people familiar with the situation confirmed. 

The offer includes support and training by the UK and BAE Systems over the lifespan of the jets. A promise to eventually manufacture the aircraft in the kingdom is also included, the people said. 

For Britain, resolving the impasse over the potential sale of jets has become an urgent priority. British sources briefed on the situation said that the UK was taking seriously the idea that Saudi Arabia — which is looking to replace is ageing Tornado fleet — might pursue a rival offer from Dassault to offer its Rafale jets, or even another option. “It’s a competitive bid process,” said one UK official. 

Rishi Sunak, the UK prime minister, raised the issue with Scholz during the summer, extracting a commitment to explore a way forward, according to two people. 

Other members of the Eurofighter consortium, notably Airbus, have in recent weeks raised alarm about the German stance. 

Guillaume Faury, chief executive of the pan-European aerospace and defence group, said this month that Berlin’s stance was not only “damaging for the Eurofighter but also damaging for the reputation of Germany as an export country to its partners”.

A UK government spokesperson said they were working closely with the German government: “Last year, we welcomed Germany’s decision to extend export licences for parts for Saudi Arabia’s existing Eurofighter aircraft for three years. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to our strategic defence relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

USAF's Alaska-Based F-22s Deploy to Middle East Amid Iran Threat

As concerns have risen in Washington about a potential Iranian attack against U.S. partners in the region, F-22 Raptors have deployed to the Middle East and performed operations alongside F-15E Strike Eagles on Nov. 2.

U.S. media reports indicated the previous day that Saudi Arabia was worried about the possibility of an Iranian attack and had shared this information with the U.S.

CENTCOM tweeted several photos showing U.S. military aircraft on patrol, including F-22s based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

CENTCOM did not say when the F-22s had deployed to the region or how many of the stealth air-to-air fighters are now operating there. But F-22s have previously been deployed during a period of high tension. In February, the U.S. sent F-22s to the United Arab Emirates after it was targeted by drone and missile attacks from Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Wall Street Journal reported Nov. 1 that Saudi Arabia had recently provided the U.S. with intelligence that Iran may strike Saudi Arabia and Erbil in northern Iraq. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia accused Iran of attacking the kingdom’s oil infrastructure with drones and missiles in 2019.

The U.S. Air Force uses Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

airandspaceforces 

Saudi Arabia interested in A400M

The Royal Saudi Air Force is currently considering the Airbus Military A400M Atlas medium lift transport aircraft.
Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Arabia Military Industries, Dr Andreas Schwer, told Jane's of the country's interest in the platform to fulfil a need for the transportation of armoured vehicles by the country's military.
"The focus of the Saudi Air Force and other local customers has changed from a 10-tonne payload platform to higher capacity platforms. There's a shift in focus on our side to bigger aviation platforms…but we might shift priority to a bigger model [aircraft]," Schwer said.
Saudi Arabia currently operates the Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules for transport, with approval for the acquisition of 25 C-130J aircraft given in 2012 by the US Congress. Progress on the acquisition of the C-130J platform has, however, been slow to materialise.
"The C-130 payload is 20 tonnes, and the An-132D is a 10-tonne payload, so you need to acquire a bigger platform. The Air Force is looking to go into the 40-tonne size, and that is why we are in intense discussions with Airbus over the A400M."
The development of the An-132D programme had also changed following the acquisition of elements of Taqnia and the King Abdulaziz Centre for Science & Technology (KACST) by SAMI, with SAMI now examining the commercial and export potential of the aircraft before proceeding further with the programme.
Development of the An-132D had been between Taqnia, KACST, and Ukraine's Antonov. The An-132D was based on a legacy An-32 'Cline' transport aircraft that had been modernised to Western standards. Production was planned to take place in Saudi Arabia, with the aircraft to be sold to commercial and military users for operations in austere environments.
janes

Spain cancels bombs sale to Saudi Arabia amid Yemen concerns

Spain said Tuesday it has canceled the delivery of 400 laser-guided bombs purchased by Saudi Arabia, amid fears that the weapons could be used against Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The arms deal was originally signed in 2015 under Spain’s former conservative government, but the new center-left administration of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez plans to return the €9.2 million (U.S. $10.7 million) already paid by the Saudis, Cadena SER radio reported Tuesday.
A Defence Ministry spokeswoman confirmed the report, but declined to elaborate. She was not authorized to be identified in media reports.
Sanchez's Socialist party had promised to revise the country's arms deals before the new prime minister ousted his predecessor, Mariano Rajoy, in a parliamentary vote in June.
The Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, visited all four countries in April this year. Two months later, his government signed the purchase of five naval corvettes that a Spanish state-owned military shipbuilder has pledged to deliver for €2 billion. The contract had been in the works for years.
As a longtime commercial ally of Saudi Arabia, Spain is the fourth-largest provider of military equipment and weapons to the Gulf state.
defensenews

SAUDI ARABIA TO ACQUIRE 48 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON MORE FROM UK

Saudi Arabia could be set to acquire a follow-on batch of 48 Eurofighter Typhoons, pending the conclusion of government-to-government discussions with the UK disclosed on 9 March.
"The UK government has signed a memorandum of intent with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to aim to finalise discussions for the purchase of 48 Typhoon aircraft," BAE says. The Royal Saudi Air Force already has acquired 72 of the European type, with deliveries under its Project Salam acquisition having concluded last year.
flightglobal

Yemeni Houthi Claim To Have Shoot Down Saudi Eurofighter

Yemeni armed forces said they shot down the a Saudi Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon with a surface-to-air missile as it was flying in the skies over Nihm district east of the Yemeni capital city of Sana’a on Friday evening, Saba news agency reported.
"We have the capacity to develop the Yemeni Air Defense and we are willing to (give) more surprises as long as the aggression continues," the Yemeni military chief, General Ibrahim al-Shami, said on Friday.
The general also confirmed that Yemeni forces are changing their air strategy to counter Riyadh, calling on the Saudi regime to "take these advances" seriously.
The downing of the jet came after Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, said Riyadh’s aggression against Yemen, which began in March 2015, will continue.
Since March 25, 2015, Saudi Arabia and some of its Arab allies have been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthi Ansarullah movement in an attempt to restore power to fugitive former President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, a close ally of Riyadh.
tasnimnews
sabanews

Boeing upgrades Saudi AWACS

Among the enhancements to improve radar capabilities and reduce repair time for the airborne surveillance fleet are systems that increase the original equipment’s radar sensitivity and expand the range for tracking targets," according to a Boeing news release.
The Radar System Improvement Program upgrades comprise a new radar computer, a radar control maintenance panel and electrical and mechanical software and hardware, Boeing said.
“The modernized software, multiple radar nodes and overall enhanced operation make this is [sic] the most significant upgrade to the AWACS radar since it was developed in the 1970s," said Keith Burns, Boeing's Saudi AWACS program manager.
c4isrnet

Saudi Arabia orders more Hawk jet trainer aircraft

Saudi Arabia has doubled the number of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft it has bought from BAE Systems, with an order for a further 22.
The RSAF already operates 24 of the earlier-generation Hawk Mk 65 aircraft that it began receiving in 1987 and 16 Hawk Mk 65A aircraft from 1997. In 2012 it signed a contract for 22 of the latest-generation Hawks AJTs, plus 55 Pilatus PC-21s, and 25 Cirrus SR22 primary training aircraft.
janes

Saudi Arabia to deploy jets in Turkey's İncirlik amid debate over timing

Saudi Arabia is sending planes to the İncirlik Air Base in the southern Turkish province of Adana, where jets from the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition are already based, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has stated, amid reports on Feb. 14 that the jets have already arrived.
“The Saudi kingdom now has a presence at the İncirlik base in Turkey,” Brigadier General Ahmed al-Assiri was quoted as saying by the Al-Arabiya TV station late on Feb. 13.
“Saudi warplanes are present with their crews to intensify aerial operations along with missions launched from bases in Saudi Arabia,” al-Assiri said, without going into further details.
However, Turkish military sources denied the arrival of Saudi warplanes.
Military sources told daily Hürriyet that Saudi warplanes had not arrived at İncirlik, adding that the timeframe of the Saudi jets’ arrival would extend to two or three weeks.
Riyadh and Ankara are both opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
hurriyetdailynews

Egypt, France In Discussions Over NH90 Helicopter Buy

Negotiations were at an advanced stage as of October 1 between France, and Egypt for the sale of a significant number of NH90 medium helicopters. The order would be a follow-on to recent sales of French armament to the Arab country, especially corvettes, frigates and landing ships—all compatible with the NH90.
Egypt has not issued any formal request for proposals for the multi-role helicopter.
Saudi Arabia is believed to be funding Egypt’s latest weapons purchases.
Egypt may choose between the tactical transport (TTH) and naval (NFH) versions of the NH90, or a mix of the two. The NFH can operate from Gowind-class corvettes or FREMM frigates, and both variants can be based on a Mistral-class landing ship.
Russian candidates like the Kamov Ka-27/29 and the Mi-17 are seen as relatively old technology or not fit for operations aboard ships. Egypt recently ordered Ka-52 attack helicopters, also believed to be intended for use on landing ships. In addition to protecting the Suez Canal, the newly purchased helicopters may help the country support Saudi Arabia’s military campaign in Yemen.
Late last month, the French Navy took delivery of its 15th NH90 naval variant, the first to be delivered in final radar configuration.
ainonline

Kuwait To Purchase 28 Typhoons

Kuwait has agreed to purchase 28 Typhoon combat jets in a deal with the Italian government.
Kuwait has agreed to buy 22 single seat and six twin-seat Typhoons in a government-to-government agreement.
Italian firm Finmeccanica's Alenia Aermacchi division has been leading the Eurofighter effort to sell the Typhoon to the Kuwaitis.
Kuwait could be the first export customer for the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar being developed for the jet by Italy's Selex ES.
Saudi Arabia and Oman are already Typhoon customers in the region. The Saudis have been talking about a further buy of the jets and Bahrain is also another potential customer.
The deal follows reports in May that the Kuwaitis were in discussions with the US to purchase up to 40 Boeing F/A-18 fighters.
The position on those negotiations is unknown.
defensenews

Saudi Arabia orders four C295s

The Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia has purchased four Airbus Defence and Space C295W transport aircraft.
Photographs recently published on the internet by aviation enthusiasts show a C295W at Seville in the markings of the Uzbekistan Air Force, indicating this will be the recipient of the other four.
janes

Saudi Arabia takes delivery of final A330 MRTT

Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the sixth and final A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) to Saudi Arabia.
This is the third aircraft in a second batch of three MRTTs ordered by the kingdom in 2009. The previous two aircraft in the batch were delivered from 2014. The first three MRTTs ordered under a 2008 contract were delivered between 2011 and 2013.
Airbus has also provided details of the new version of the MRTT, six of which will be delivered to Singapore as the launch customer. The changes relate to the fact that the baseline commercial airliner airframe from which the MRTT will be converted is a new model of the A330.
The A330 MRTT is operated by the UK's Royal Air Force as the Voyager (11 of 14 aircraft delivered under a long-lease arrangement), United Arab Emirates (three aircraft), and Australia as the KC-30A (five aircraft). India has selected the platform for a six-aircraft tanker requirement, while 12 of the type are to be supplied to the French Air Force from 2018 in a configuration specific to that operator. Qatar announced an order for two aircraft.
The Netherlands, Poland, and Norway are negotiating with Airbus over the pooled acquisition of a common fleet of MRTTs under an initiative facilitated by the European Defence Agency. The MRTT is also a candidate for South Korea's requirement for four tankers and a selection of the winning bid is expected at the end of this month.
Airbus is also talking to existing MRTT customers about potential extra sales of one or two aircraft each. Australia publically expressed an interest in acquiring additional KC-30A tankers in August 2014.
With the order book swelling there is available capacity for additional MRTT conversions should there need to be a ramp-up in production, according to Airbus. Two buildings are dedicated to the conversion work at the company's Getafe facility in Spain, the process taking between 9 and 10 months to complete.
Spanish airline Iberia was sub-contracted for the conversion of two aircraft in the initial batch for Saudi Arabia at its facility at Barajas, and this capacity can be called upon again if necessary.
janes

Boeing Will Begin Production of AH-6i 'Little Bird' This Year

Boeing will begin production of the AH-6i Little Bird light attack and reconnaissance helicopter, by the end of the year. The manufacturer declined to name the first buyer, which the U.S. Army has previously identified as the Saudi Arabia National Guard. The latter agency will acquire 24 international Little Birds through a foreign military sale (FMS).
The Army awarded Boeing a FMS contract last year to supply AH-6is to Saudi Arabia. The Little Bird international variant was contained in a huge arms deal the U.S. and Saudi governments negotiated in 2010.
The AH-6i borrows from Boeing’s development of the AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter and the A/MH-6M Little Bird used by U.S. special forces.
There are two weapons stores on each side of aircraft, allowing for a weapons mix that includes an M-134 minigun, .50 caliber GAU-19B machine gun, M260 seven-shot rocket pods and up to four semi-active laser Hellfire missiles.
The wing stores also support 30-gallon conformal fuel tanks on each side, providing an additional 60 gallons of fuel, or about two and a half hours of endurance. Another option the AH-6i accommodates is a 63-gallon internal auxiliary fuel tank.
ainonline

Saudi Arabia Requires 10 MH-60R Helicopters From US

Saudi Arabia has requested from US a sale of ten MH-60R multi-mission helicopters, radars, twenty-four T-700 GE 401 C engines, twelve APX-123 IFF transponders, fourteen FLIR, 38 AGM-114R Hellfire II missiles; five (5) AGM-114 M36-E9 Captive Air Training missiles; four (4) AGM-114Q Hellfire Training Missiles; three-hundred eighty (380) Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System rockets; twelve (12) M-240D crew served weapons; and twelve (12) GAU-21 crew served weapons. Also included are spare engine containers; facilities study and design; spare and repair parts.
The principal contractors will be Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin.
dsca

White House Says F-35s Not For Sale to Gulf Arab States

President Obama’s Camp David summit with the Gulf Arab states on Thursday will seek to boost arms sales to the Gulf neighbors but the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been taken off their wish list.
White House officials on Monday sought to tamp down speculation that King Salman of Saudi Arabia canceled his attendance at Camp David when the U.S. made clear that his country would not be permitted to buy F-35s.
Saudi Foreign Minsiter also denied that the F-35 or U.S. policy on Iran were factors in King Salman’s absence.
The F-35 might not be on the table, “but keep in mind under this administration we moved forward on a package for the Saudis that will provide them the most advanced F-15 aircraft in the region”.
“The Emiratis fly the most advanced F-16s in the world. They’re more advanced than the ones our Air Force flies.
dodbuzz