RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: The Royal Saudi Air Force has commenced flying operations following the delivery of the first 4 of 72 Typhoon aircraft to the Royal Saudi Air Force. To support this, the Governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom have reached agreement on detailed arrangements under the Salam Support Solution that will provide support for operations by the Royal Saudi Air Force Typhoon fleet for a three year period.
These arrangements will be operated through a full availability service contract with BAE Systems, the first of its kind for Typhoon. They are in accordance with the Understanding Document signed by both Governments on 21 December 2005.
The contract includes training in the United Kingdom for RSAF Typhoon pilots and Typhoon multi-skilled aircraft technicians.
David Rennison, vice president Salam for BAE Systems in Saudi Arabia, said: “Congratulations to the Royal Saudi Air Force – it has joined an elite club and is now the 5th Air Force in the world to be flying Tranche 2 Typhoons. This agreement is ground breaking and will form an integral and vital part of the long term Salam programme. I am delighted to see the RSAF flying the aircraft in Saudi Arabia.”
Cliff Robson, Deputy Managing Director, Typhoon, added: “The Salam Support Solution builds on BAE Systems’ knowledge and experience gained working alongside the RAF in supporting the UK’s Typhoon fleet. This will provide the Royal Saudi Air Force with the necessary support as the Typhoon transitions from entry-into-service to full operation.”
BAE Systems is the premier global defence, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems’ sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
