Boeing has received a 273.75m-riyal ($73m) contract to upgrade the radar capabilities of the Royal Saudi Air Force’s fleet of five airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft under US Department of Defense contracts.

The AWACS aircraft will perform airborne surveillance, and command, control and communications functions for tactical and air defence forces.

It will provide a 360° look-down view of the horizon with a range of 200 miles, allow the aircraft to detect and track air and sea targets and enable communication between friendly aircraft.

Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is responsible for the contracting activity.