WDS is not as international as the Dubai Airshow, which is held in the neighboring United Arab Emirates, and focuses more on Saudi Arabia’s military needs. However, due to the high budget possibilities of the Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and the need for modernization, the fair has become an important showcase for the offers – many of which are extremely high cost – that the world’s leading aviation companies offer to the Saudi market.
Fifth generation fighter jet race
The most notable competition at the fair was in the field of fifth-generation fighter aircraft for the RSAF. Saudi Arabia recently submitted a sales request for 48 units of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II; It is stated that the Trump administration has no serious objection to this. The US company displayed a life-size F-35A mockup bearing RSAF markings; There was also a smaller model at the stand.
But there were other “fifth generations” at the fair:
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) brought a scale model of Kaan bearing Saudi markings. Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) displayed the South Korean marked KF-21 Boramae model. BAE Systems has unveiled a life-size mock-up of the future GCAP Tempest project. All of these aircraft are still in development and are presented as potential alternatives for the RSAF’s future inventory, although they may seem difficult to compete with the F-35 in the short term.
Although not the fifth generation, the China-Pakistan joint production JF-17 Thunder fighter jet also attracted attention. The model, displayed with a large inventory of weapons originating from China, has achieved sales success in different countries.
Lockheed Martin and naval platforms
Alongside the F-35, Lockheed Martin also displayed a mock-up of a C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft with desert camouflage and RSAF markings; This revealed the target of additional sales to the Gulf country. In the open area, two MH-60R maritime helicopters, one belonging to the US Navy and the other to the Saudi Royal Navy, were showcased; demonstrated the prevalence of this model in the Saudi inventory.
Surprise from Airbus: A400M with higher capacity
One of the most striking surprises at the fair was Airbus’s offer of the improved A400M transport aircraft to Saudi Arabia. The European company has proposed a version that increases the tactical payload capacity from 37 tonnes to 40 tonnes.
It was stated that this increase will be achieved through software updates that can be made in the 2028-2029 period, without any hardware changes. Airbus representatives stated that negotiations with Saudi Arabia are at an advanced stage. To support the proposal, a Royal Air Force (RAF) A400M was displayed at the fair and inspected by Saudi officials.
Airbus had a significant presence at the fair due to the large number of platforms in Saudi Arabia. One of the RSAF’s six A330 MRTT tanker aircraft was on display at the flight deck; Four new aircraft will soon join the inventory. These aircraft can refuel with both the basket-probe and the central boom system and can receive fuel in the same way.
The Airbus stand also featured a C-295W mock-up. There are currently four C-295Ws in the inventory of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Saudi Arabia. Its performance in desert and extremely hot conditions is particularly emphasized by the Saudi authorities. Airbus aims to increase sales of this model to complement the RSAF’s heavier transport aircraft.
Eurofighter and other platforms
Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest customers of this aircraft, having purchased 72 Eurofighters to date. A specially painted Eurofighter commemorating the 95th anniversary of the RSAF was on display during WDS. The Eurofighter consortium is pushing hard for a new sale with the latest hardware and software updates; Modernization of existing aircraft is also planned. Saudi Arabia has used the Eurofighter operationally in Yemen and is positive about the European model.
NH90 and H175M helicopters
Airbus’ other major focus was helicopters. Saudi Arabia is currently one of the major users of the AS-332 model. Airbus exhibited the naval version NH90 NFH mock-up at its stand; Potential adaptations such as fuel tanks and weapon pods were highlighted. An NH90 NFH delivered to Qatar was also shown outdoors.
Another prominent model was the middle class H175M helicopter. A prototype of the model designed for military transport, special force deployment, search and rescue (SAR) and casualty evacuation missions was exhibited at the fair. The first sale of this model was made to Spain two months ago and six units were ordered for the Air Force 48th Wing.
