Typhoon set for new deal of decade

Published: Apr 20, 2006
Source: www.timesonline.co.uk



BRITAIN appeared to have clinched a multibillion-pound deal yesterday to supply Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

With fears that the conflict in Iraq could spill over its borders and with recent sabre-rattling from Iran, Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Saudi Foreign Minister, said that a deal had been struck with Britain to modernise the Royal Saudi Air Force by upgrading existing British aircraft and purchasing the new Eurofighter Typhoon.

“It is a deal that is a good deal for both countries,” he said. “We have reached a time when we have to renew our equipment.” He said that it was in the interests of the international community for Saudi Arabia to be able to defend its huge oil resources with the best equipment available.

The plan, which has taken months to negotiate, was discussed by Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, and Crown Prince Sultan, the Defence Minister, who is also considering a rival option to buy French fighter jets. British officials refused to reveal details until the agreement can be finalised, but it is understood that the Saudis are interested in an initial order of 24 Typhoons, as part of a package of 72 aircraft to be supplied in coming years.continue..