King Khalid Air Base (قاعدة الملك خالد الجوية)

Summary

Operating Country 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Location 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Status Active
UsageMilitary only
Year built1960
Operating OrganizationRoyal Saudi Air Force
Units
  • RSAF Wing 5
  • No. 6 Squadron RSAF
  • No. 55 Squadron RSAF
  • No. 99 Squadron RSAF
  • No. 14 Squadron RSAF
  • No. 202 Squadron RSAF
  • No. 203 Squadron RSAF

Description

King Khalid Air Base is located near Khamis Mushait in the 'Asir Region of southwest Saudi Arabia. Established in 1960, the facility was designed and constructed by Ballast Nedam for BAE, with additional construction through the 1970s and 1980s. During the 1991 Gulf War, United States Air Force F-117 stealth fighters from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing launched from the base for missions against Baghdad and targets in Iraq. Royal Air Force No. 101 Squadron operated Vickers VC10 tankers here to refuel Panavia Tornado GR1s. The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) 66th Squadron operated Tornado GR1 and GR1a reconnaissance aircraft at the base, supported by the 66th Squadron Reconnaissance Intelligence Centre. The 83rd Squadron was formed at the facility in the late 1990s with Tornado GR1 aircraft.

The base is operated by the RSAF and hosts RSAF Wing 5. Stationed units include No. 6 Squadron and No. 55 Squadron, which operate F-15SA Strike Eagles; No. 6 Squadron also operates F-15S aircraft. The base hosts No. 99 Squadron with Eurocopter AS532M Cougars and a detachment from No. 14 Squadron with Bell 412EP and AB212 aircraft. No. 202 Squadron and No. 203 Squadron operate CH-4B aircraft. Infrastructure includes service facilities for the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle. The airfield has no customs facilities.

Location & Details

Map of King Khalid Air Base
Coordinates18.3069°N, 42.8092°E
Elevation2,050 m (6,726 ft)
IATA codeKMX
ICAO codeOEKM
Runways
  • 12
  • 400 ft [paved]
Wikipedia and other open sources. Last updated on 12 January 2026