|
|
|
The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Government
of Saudi Arabia has reached agreement with the UK Government
to purchase 72 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. The agreement follows
plans outlined in December 2005 to establish a greater partnership
in modernizing the Saudi Arabian Air Force. The Eurofighter
deal is part of a larger defense cooperation program, known
as "Project Salam" which will also include comprehensive
training and in-country support. The new program continues a
long and successful association between the Royal Saudi Arabia
Air Force and the British aerospace industry, which leads back
to the delivery of Lightning fighters to the Arabian kingdom.
|
|
|
| 
The current agreement goes back to 1985 when the Governments
of Saudi Arabia and the UK signed a formal understanding known
as Al-Yamama (arms for oil package). This program included the
supply of 120 Tornado IDS and ADVs, Hawk and PC-9 aircraft,
replacing the old Lightnings. This deal also included associated
support services, equipment, weapons, ammunition and electronic
warfare systems. Most of the Tornados have been upgraded by
now.
Under current agreement the Typhoon aircraft would replace
Tornado ADV fighters and other aircraft currently in service
with the Royal Saudi Air Force. BAE Systems would also invest
in local Saudi companies, develop an industrial technology plan,
and train thousands of Saudi nationals to support the new equipment.
July 2007: As part of "Exercise Indradhanush 2007",
the Indian Air Force deployed the Sukhoi-30 MKI air superiority
fighter to the UK. The Su-30 MKI is shown being escorted through
UK airspace by a Royal Air Force 17Sqn Eurofighter Typhoon.
Photo: Eurofighter.
|
|
|
