History
Narrative Summary
The Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) is the oldest branch of the Saudi military, being formed in 1902 at the start of the War of Unification of Saudi Arabia. The Army was modernised to keep pace with military developments in the following decades. In 1988 (1986?) a plan to establish an Aviation branch was approved and the first helicopters joined the RSLF Aviation Command in 1990. An airborne attack capability was added in 1992, with the arrival of AH-64 Apache helicopters.
Key Dates
| 13 Jan 1902 | Royal Saudi Land Forces first established | |
| 1988? | RSLF Aviation Command created | |
| 1990 | First helicopters received – Bell 406CS |
Current Status
The Aviation Command is fully operational.
Future Plans
To be added.
Markings
National Insignia
Current — Historical
Aircraft Serial Numbers
The Saudi Army serial numbering system consists of a three digit number (Bell 406CS and Schweizer 330) or a five digit mumber (S-70/UH-60 and AH-64), e.g. 844 for Bell 406CS and 27181 for UH-60L.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used.
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used.
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
False reports of aircraft on order or in service
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Airport Rd, Riyadh 11165.
Organisational Structure
The RSLFAC is organised into two Aviation Battalions and one Aviation Group.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
To be added.
All-Time Flying Units List
1st Aviation Battalion
2nd Aviation Battalion
3rd Aviation Group
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
The main air base is Hafr Al Batin at King Khalid Military City.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
As above.
More Information
Books
Saudi Military Aviation Bibliography – to be added.
Magazines
To be added.
Websites