Export of Typhoon to Saudi Arabia - 20 September 2007

The impact of the recent Ministerial announcement on Typhoon.

Key Points
This week has seen an announcement about the export of Typhoon to Saudi Arabia. Key points include:

· Saudi Arabia has determined that Typhoon provides the very highest level of capability to meet their current and future requirement for an agile fighter aircraft thereby enhancing the international reputation of Typhoon.

· Export sales of Typhoon will safeguard UK aerospace jobs and will help to ensure the future of a high quality national aerospace industry.

· The sale of Typhoon enhances bilateral relations with a vital strategic partner.

· The initial 24 Typhoons exported to Saudi Arabia will be diverted from the RAF’s uptake of Tranche 2 Typhoon. This will be compensated for by extending the out of service date of Tornado F3. These 24 diverted aircraft will be replaced by aircraft later in the UK production programme.

· The RAF will provide a training package to Saudi Pilots and Engineers.

Background
In December 2005 the Governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom outlined plans to establish a greater partnership in modernising the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. As part of these plans, the Government of Saudi Arabia has reached agreement with the United Kingdom to purchase 72 Typhoon aircraft. This agreement will be supported by substantial logistical and training packages, including the opportunity for Royal Saudi Air Force aircrew and ground technicians to train alongside the RAF in the UK

This new defence cooperation programme, known as “Project Salam”, builds on long and highly successful relationships between the Governments and their armed forces. The Governments share key objectives with regard to national security and actions to combat global terrorism, and the United Kingdom recognises the important role the Saudi Arabian Government has in promoting regional stability.

The British Government warmly welcomes this decision, which begins a new chapter in defence co-operation between the two nations. It also reflects the Saudi Arabian Government’s continued confidence in the United Kingdom to provide the military capability needed to meet its defence requirements.

The Typhoon aircraft to replace the Royal Saudi Air Force Tornado ADV fleet will come initially from within the RAF’s offtake of Tranche 2 aircraft. Twenty four Typhoons will be diverted, but this will not affect the number of aircraft the RAF receives, as the diverted aircraft will be replaced later in the UK’s production programme. In considering this export order the needs of the RAF in building up its Typhoon Force have been fully taken into account. We are confident that through profiling the aircraft export off-take and extending the out of service date of Tornado F3, we will be able to maintain our level of defence capability.

The RAF will provide a training package to Saudi Pilots and Engineers. The deal has been structured to ensure no detrimental financial impact on the RAF.

Additional Information
For further information please contact Wg Cdr Andy Kay, SO1 Communications
RAF Transformation Team, HQ AIR, DFTN: 95221 Ext 4221

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