Chart Twenty-One shows the trends in Saudi air strength and it is impor-
tant to realize that the Royal Saudi Air Force has been in a period of con-
stant transition for most of its existence. This expansion of the air force
is still Saudi Arabia's foremost defense priority. The Royal Saudi Air
Force (EISAF) is the only service that can cover Saudi Arabia's 2.3 million
square kilometers of territory. It represents the investment most capable
of cross-reinforcement with the other services. It also has the most
impact in terms of regional prestige, and the most credibility in terms of
being able to support other GCC states or to operate with USCENTCOM
forces in a major crisis. ²⁵³

The RSAF did a good job of creating effective air defenses to meet a
threat from Iran during the Iran-Iraq War. It established the "Fahd Line,"
which created an Air Defense Identification Zone and forward air defense
system off the Saudi coast. Saudi Arabia defended its air space and shot
down an Iranian F-4 which tested Saudi defenses on June 5, 1984.

The RSAF was the most effective single element of Arab forces in the
UN Coalition during the Gulf War. It flew a total of 6,852 sorties between
January 17, and February 28, 1991 -- ranking second after the US in total.
air activity, and flying about 6% of all sorties flown. These sorties includ-
ed 1,133 interdiction missions, and 523 battlefield air interdiction mis-
sions, for a total of 1,656 offensive missions. The RSAF flew 2,050 defen-
sive counter-air missions, 129 offensive counter air missions, and 102
escort missions for a total of 2,281 air defense sorties. The RSAF flew 118
reconnaissance sorties, 85 E3-A AWACS sorties, 485 refueling sorties, and
1,829 airlift sorties. ²⁵⁴

During the slightly longer period from January 16 to February 28,
Saudi Air Force: F-15C units flew 2,088 sorties (over one-third the total
F-15C sorties flown by the USAF) and 451 Tornado ADV sorties. Saudi
pilots were as capable in these air defense sorties as most pilots in
NATO.The RSAF also flew 665 Tornado GRI/IDS strike sorties, 1,129
F-5 sorties, and 118 RF-5 sorties. Saudi F-15Cs shot down three Iraqi

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