U.S. Reaches $24 Billion Agreement with Saudi Arabia for Boeing F-15 Fighters
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Boeing F-15 Fighter - photo courtesy Boeing Company
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U.S. Reaches $24 Billion Agreement with Saudi Arabia for Boeing F-15 Fighters
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), December 29, 2011 - Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney today welcomed the announcement by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that it has reached an agreement to purchase from the U.S. government 84 new Boeing F-15 fighter aircraft and to upgrade 70 of its existing F-15s.
In a statement, Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Jim McNerney said, "For Boeing, this agreement represents the continuation of an enduring partnership between the company and the Kingdom that dates back to 1945 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented a DC-3 Dakota airplane to King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
"We appreciate the efforts of the Obama Administration and the trust of King Abdullah's government in finalizing the agreement, which will support tens of thousands of American jobs and help the Kingdom enhance its defense capabilities and diversify its workforce," said McNerney.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of Boeing's most valued customers operating a fleet of existing Boeing F-15s, Apache helicopters, AWACS, and special mission aircraft.
"Boeing is privileged to support the important U.S./Saudi bi-lateral relationship, and we are pleased Saudi Arabia has chosen the proven, state of the art capabilities of our F-15 and rotorcraft platforms," said McNerney. "Boeing views Saudi Arabia as a market with great potential and has made it a priority to invest in Saudi Arabia's aviation industry while working to strengthen local technical and vocational training programs and institutions."
In a release, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill said, "The F-15 is a world class aircraft built by hardworking folks right here in St. Louis. I am thrilled for all of the skilled men and women on the F-15 line that this important, big order that I have stood side-by-side with them in working to secure is finally happening. These are important jobs in our community. I will continue advocating for sales of Boeing products wherever appropriate."
Congressman Russ Carnahan issued the following statement: "The Obama Administration and Saudi government are finalizing negotiations on a multi-billion dollar sale of Boeing F-15s - produced here in St. Louis - which will serve our security interests and those of our allies in the Middle East. Last year, I worked with my colleagues on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to ensure timely approval for this sale."
"Pending approval, this deal will ensure years of new fighter production at Boeing, keeping hundreds of middle-class manufacturing jobs in St. Louis. We should take pride in yet another success that shows when we all work together, St. Louis can compete and win."
The signing of the letter of offer and acceptance between the U.S. government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the F-15 is the last official step toward completing an overall sale announced in late 2010 for 84 new and 70 upgraded F-15s. The U.S. government has also offered the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 70 new AH-64 Apache strike helicopters and 36 AH-6i helicopters, plus support and training. All the LOAs together will total approximately $24 billion in Boeing sales.
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