Back in October 2010, HeliHub.com carried a story noting that Saudi Arabia had put a request in to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency for 190 helicopters as follows:

70 AH-64D Block III APACHE Helicopters
72 UH-60M BLACKHAWK Helicopters
36 AH-6i Light Attack Helicopters
12 MD-530F Light Turbine Helicopters

On Monday we reported on Boeing’s announcement confirming 36 AH-6i and 70 Apaches (see report).  Today, MD Helicopters Director of Military Programs confirmed to HeliHub.com  that the US Government has also approved the request for 12 MD530Fs as well – for operation by the Saudi Arabian National Guard (SANG).

This order follows the recent acceptance of six MD530Fs by Afghanistan (see report).

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com