F-15 Fighter Deal Could Create Thousands of Defense Jobs

 

A White House spokesman announced recently that the Obama administration has signed an agreement to sell F-15 fighters produced by Boeing to Saudi Arabia, a move that could pave the way for the creation of thousands of defense jobs.

According to Bloomberg, the deal, which was approved by Congress last year, represents Saudi Arabia's first major weapons purchase from the U.S. since a similar agreement in 1992.

"Valued at $29.4 billion, this agreement includes production of 84 new aircraft and the modernization of 70 existing aircraft as well as munitions, spare parts, training, maintenance and logistics," White House principal deputy press secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement. "These F-15SA aircraft, manufactured by The Boeing Company, are among the most sophisticated and capable aircraft in the world."

Citing industry experts, Earnest said that the deal could add 50,000 American jobs, many of which would likely be defense and intelligence jobs requiring professionals who have undertaken the necessary steps to obtain security clearance.