THE TECHNICAL INVENTORY

Following the establishment of the kingdom's air defence zone, stretching probably about forty miles into Gulf waters, Saudi Arabia has increased its air patrols over Gulf shipping lanes. Royal Saudi Airforce (RSAF) pilots now have orders to scramble their aircraft as soon as any unauthorised air-craft enter the perimeter of the zone, marked by the so-called 'Fahd Line', where they are authorised to defend 'certain ships'. These ships have not been specified 'but are believed to include tankers owned by the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states under threat of Iranian attack. Standing order to RSAF pilots regarding aircraft which invade Saudi airspace is to 'shoot on sight'.