Squadron Service - Royal Saudi Air Force
The Royal Saudi Air Force E-3s are operated by Number 18 Squadron, which is based at Riyadh.
The RSAF's E-3As flew AWACS missions during Operation Desert Storm in January/February 1991.
On August 27th 2001 Boeing announced that it had begun the upgrade of the Saudi E-3 fleet to the same mission computer and software standards as USAF aircraft. This enhancement was to improve operator capabilities and equipment reliability.
Boeing announced on September 18th 2003 that it had completed installation of new mission computers and other hardware and software on the Royal Saudi Air Force�s fleet of five AWACS aircraft. Additionally, Boeing provided RSAF operator training and logistics support and an improved identification friend or foe system.
On July 15th 2008 Boeing announced that it had completed a major communications upgrade on the first of five Saudi E-3 aircraft as part of a $49.2 million contract. Installation and checkout of the aircraft were performed at the Boeing Military Flight Center in Seattle. The enhancement, known as Link 16, is a secure, jam-resistant, digital data link that allows military aircraft, ships and ground units to exchange tactical pictures in near real time. Link 16 also supports the exchange of text messages and imagery data and provides additional channels for digital voice.
Boeing partner Alsalam Aircraft Co. will upgrade the remaining four aircraft in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Boeing on-site support. The fleet upgrade is scheduled to be completed in December 2009.
On August 6th 2009 the US Congess was informed of a request from Saudi Arabia for a comprehensive upgrade of the communications and navigation systems of the RSAF's E-3 fleet. The contract is expected to be worth $1.5 billion.
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