How to impress a US president? Spin up a fighter jet escort for Air Force One

Saudi Arabia didn’t even wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to land before it set out to impress him in a sky-high way
Saudi Air Force F-15 warplanes escort Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump as it arrives in Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Saudi Air Force F-15 warplanes escort Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump as it arrives in Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Nation & World
Updated May 13, 2025
X

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Saudi Arabia didn't even wait for U.S. President Donald Trump to land there before it set out to impress him in a sky-high way.

As Trump flew in to Riyadh on Tuesday, he got a ceremonial escort from six Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s as his plane approached the kingdom's capital — an exceptionally rare sight.

Margo Martin, a White House official, posted video of the escort online, declaring, “Saudi F-15’s providing honorary escort for Air Force One!”

The Royal Saudi Air Force has the world’s largest fleet of F-15s after the U.S. Air Force.

Saudi Air Force F-15 warplanes escort Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump as it arrives in Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Credit: AP

icon to expand image

Credit: AP

Saudi Air Force F-15 warplanes escort Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump as it arrives in Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Credit: AP

icon to expand image

Credit: AP

Saudi Air Force F-15 warplanes escort Air Force One carrying President Donald Trump as it arrives in Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Credit: AP

icon to expand image

Credit: AP

In Other News
1
The Menendez brothers case reflects a shifting culture across decades
2
Ex-FBI agent and Pentagon contractor sues over secret recording showing...
3
Missouri lawmakers approve referendum to repeal abortion-rights...
4
Ethics complaint resurfaces as Kentucky Republican Daniel Cameron runs...
5
Democratic congressman pushes Trump impeachment, but backs down from...