Saudi Defense Minister Sultan bin Abdul Aziz said Sunday that his country would consider replacing its squad of US-made F-5 fighters with F-16s, according to AFP.
"The kingdom currently has F-5s, which are good and useful, but if we had the opportunity to replace them with more modern planes, we would take it", Prince Sultan told the press in Al Kharj, south of Riyadh.
The minister was answering a question about rumors that the kingdom planned to replace the F-5s with F-16s.
According to the London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies, the Saudi airforce has a fleet of fighters comprised of 101 F-5s, 166 F-15s and 110 Tornados, said the agency.
Within the same context, the Middle East Newsline (MENL) reported Monday that the kingdom had launched a bid for the foreign training of military troops in the kingdom.
The tender calls for comprehensive training, logistics support and related services, said the report, adding that Riyadh wanted the training to last five years.
Officials said applicants had until September to complete joint venture or partnership requirements with Saudi firms.
Joint ventures are an informal requirement to win Saudi contracts.
The tender appears directed toward US firms.
Officials said applicants must have experience in training ground forces according to US Army doctrine and methodology. The minimum experience in this field is five years.
Officials said the kingdom was stressing the training of military personnel to replace foreign technicians – Albawaba.com
