What if I told you that the McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagle played a pivotal role in safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s skies? Let’s step back in time. This isn’t just any aircraft. The McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagle represents a significant chapter in Saudi Arabia’s air defense modernization.
In the early 1970s Saudi Arabia sought to modernize its air force. They explored options with the USA. The McDonnell Douglas F-15 was chosen for its superior capabilities. The F/A-18 was not yet in production then.
Despite opposition from some in the U.S. Congress, the export of a slightly downgraded F-15 to Saudi Arabia was approved. Deliveries began in 1982 under the “Peace Sun” program. This marked the beginning of a long relationship between the Royal Saudi Air Force RSAF and the F-15 Eagle.
An interesting chapter unfolded on June 5 1984. Two RSAF McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagles engaged two Iranian F-4Es over the Persian Gulf. The Iranian F-4s crossed into Saudi airspace. They presumably intended to attack merchant ships in Saudi waters. The RSAF F-15s were on a training flight with USAF KC-10 Extenders. They practiced air refueling. A USAF E-3 Sentry vectored them onto the F-4s. Each McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagle fired an AIM-7 Sparrow. One F-4 was destroyed. The other was damaged. It barely made it home and was written off.
Within half an hour the Iranians sent 11 more F-4s. This was a show of force. Perhaps they wanted vengeance. The Saudis scrambled a like number of F-15s. Cooler heads prevailed. The Iranians backed down. This incident had two interesting aspects. It was the first time that two McDonnell Douglas aircraft opposed each other in air combat. A USAF pilot was riding backseat in the F-15D.
In 1983, the Saudis requested a further 48 F-15s. Amid concerns about the Middle East, this was denied. This rejection led the Saudis to seek aircraft elsewhere. They eventually struck a deal with the UK for Panavia Tornados.
Later, in 1990, the U.S. transferred 24 additional F-15s to Saudi Arabia. This was largely in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. These deals were effected under Peace Sun VI.
During Desert Storm, Saudi McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagles played a defensive role. They flew Combat Air Patrol CAP to defend the Kingdom. On January 24 1991 Captain Ayehid Salah al-Shamrani had his moment. He was flying an F-15C. He shot down two Iraqi Mirage F.1EQs. These were the only Saudi air kills of the war.
The USA refused to supply the Saudis with F-15E Strike Eagles. They also nixed inquiries into an advanced single-seat variant. After some negotiation, approval was given in 1993 to supply a downgraded version of the F-15E. This was designated the F-15S.
In 2011, the Saudis ordered 84 more Eagles under the designation F-15SA. These aircraft incorporated significant avionics upgrades. Structural improvements allowed for greater load-carrying capability.
The Saudi F-15 story reflects the evolving relationship between the USA and Saudi Arabia since the 1970s. Initially, the US offered limited numbers of downgraded jets. Now the RSAF operates some of the most advanced Eagle variants ever built.
The Royal Saudi Air Force is an important user of the Eagle. The Saudi Arabian government initially ordered 47 F-15Cs and 15 McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagles. These replaced the BAC Lightning interceptor. The delivery of McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagles to Saudi Arabia was controversial. Israel and its supporters were unhappy. The US Congress approved the sale, but limited Saudi Arabia to 60 Eagles at any one time. The controversy was eased by Saudi assurances that the planes would be used strictly for air defense. The limit of 60 was later abandoned. There were restrictions on the delivery of conformal fuel tanks.
Some early RSAF McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagles were used at Luke AFB to train Saudi crews. The first F-15C/D aircraft reached IOC with RSAF units in August 1981. In Saudi Arabia, F-15Cs and Ds were supplied to No 5 Squadron, No 6, and No 13.
On June 5, 1984, RSAF McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagles from No 6 Squadron fought Iranian F-4E Phantoms. Two intruders were shot down. This marked the only encounter in which McDonnell-built aircraft fought each other.
During Desert Shield/Desert Storm, RSAF McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagles shared combat air patrols. On January 24, 1991, Captain Ayehid Salah al-Shamrani shot down two Iraqi Mirage F1s. These Mirages may have been carrying Exocet missiles.
In mid-1991, McDonnell began filling the order for twelve F-15s. Nine were for F-15Cs and three for F-15Ds. In 1993, the Royal Saudi Air Force was given permission to purchase 72 downgraded versions of the F-15E Strike Eagle. These were initially designated F-15XP, but are now known as F-15S.
As we stand here, remember the legacy of the McDonnell Douglas F-15D Eagle. It is more than just a machine. It is a symbol of a nation’s commitment to protecting its skies and a testament to a complex geopolitical relationship.