Non-Subscriber ExtractFrench-Saudi exercise highlights RSAF ambitions |
 |
|
By Mohammed Najib
23 October 2009
Pilots from the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) and the French Air Force have concluded the 10-day 'Green Shield 2' joint exercises.
Conducted at the Dijon-Longvic airbase, 'Green Shield 2' is the second phase of exercises that opened in Saudi Arabia in 2007.
Dijon base commander Colonel Bruno Paccagnini told reporters that one of the most critical elements of the exercise was the flight by RSAF pilots to France from their home base in Riyadh. This required complete logistical support from the Saudi side, including mid-air refuelling by the RSAF's fleet of three KA-3 tanker aircraft.
Six RSAF Boeing F-15C/D Eagle fighters participated in the exercise, along with 11 Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. France despatched its Dassault Mirage 2000-5 and Rafale combat aircraft and Eurocopter EC 725 Caracal helicopters to Dijon for the exercise, along with the Boeing E-3F AWACS (airborne warning and control system) aircraft normally stationed at the nearby Saint-Dizier Robinson airbase.
Analysts said the exercises, which took place from the 5 to 15 October, highlighted the ambitions of the RSAF.
"Saudi Arabia is looking to build long-range air strike capabilities," Steve Rodan of Middle East Newsline told Jane's on 18 October.
Observers suggested that the exercises were also an opportunity for France to promote the Rafale, for which Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are possible export customers.