Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Saudi Arabia is emphasizing the diversification of its military suppliers, in a warning to the United States.

Diplomats said the Saudi leadership has relayed a message to the administration of President Barack Obama of a change in future relations.

The diplomats said Riyad would no longer favor U.S. defense contractors in major projects.

“This will not make a difference in the short term, but the Saudi message could have strategic repercussions later on,” a diplomat said.

The diplomats said the administration was briefed by Saudi intelligence chief Prince Bandar Bin Sultan last month. They said Bandar would seek other military suppliers for both Saudi armed forces as well as foreign allies, including Sunni rebels in Syria.

Saudi Arabia has been the largest defense client of the United States. In 2011, Riyad launched a nearly $30 billion project for the procurement of 84 new F-15 fighter-jets and upgrade of another 70 such aircraft.

“This project keeps the entire Saudi Air Force dependent on the United
States for years if not decades,” the diplomat said.

But the diplomats said Bandar stressed that Riyad was developing
alternative military suppliers. They cited Britain, China, France and
Russia.

In October, France was said to have advanced in negotiations for
multi-billion-dollar arms projects with Riyad. The contracts were said to
have included the modernization of the frigate fleet of the Saudi Navy.

Germany has also become a major military supplier to Saudi Arabia.
Diplomats said Berlin was negotiating for the export of main battle
tank and submarines in deals that could reach $10 billion.

  F-15 fighters, Intel chief to administration: Saudi will no longer favor U.S. in future arms contracts, Prince Bandar bin Sultan