The SC
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The JVs are the best, but combined with ToT and local manufacturing is way better..the 500 or so tanks _not including the old ones that need replacements_ is not enough for KSA_, due exactly to its shear size.. If Saudi Arabia gets ToT for the T-90MS, it can manufacture as much as it needs and look for other heavy MBTs when they will be available..not only that, Egypt is getting it too with local production and since KSA and Egypt are allies they might cut a very good deal with Russia for more ToT.. since we are talking about at least 1000 tanks for the two of them..Exactly. Obligatory ToT and local manufacturing is the way forward. Having Russia as a partner in this important process cannot be a negative thing. 3.5 billion is not much either for KSA.
As for tanks KSA is quite impenetrable for any outside invader (due to size and geography) outside of the Northeastern part and from there on access to coastal Eastern Province. That was the supposedly planned route of Saddam Hussein and the only available route from the North. That itself is a highly strategic area of KSA but nevertheless tanks should not be our priority unless locally manufactured. Luckily numerous mountains ranges across KSA and deserts, let alone sheer size make an invasion a nightmare for outsiders.
The highlighted part of your post is what I look most forward to. The recent cooperation with Antonov proves how interesting such a combination can become if done correctly.
Don't forget that Russia will probably play a role in the nuclear power sector of KSA. Cooperation is already occurring with a lot of powers.
2 year old news:
http://saudigazette.com.sa/article/...sign-cooperation-agreement-on-nuclear-energy-
https://sputniknews.com/business/201608301044778717-russia-saudi-arabia-rosatom/
All done under MBS. Times are changing and for the better and quick. It's a great thing and long overdue as the potential is enormous.
Even the SU-30/35 was seen with western tech in Malaysia..and it looked good..so that is another possibility where we can see a JV, as well as air defense systems and tactical missiles..