The race to secure one of the most lucrative defense contracts of the decade has entered a critical phase. BAE Systems is pushing hard to finalize a historic follow-on order for Eurofighter Typhoon jets with Saudi Arabia following the removal of political roadblocks in Europe.
High-level officials from the UK aerospace giant remain optimistic that Riyadh will sign off on a new fleet of Typhoons. This confidence comes despite intense competition from French and American rivals looking to capture the Kingdom’s growing defense budget. The potential deal involves dozens of next-generation aircraft and promises deep industrial cooperation that aligns with Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation goals.
The Battle for Air Superiority
The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) has an urgent requirement to modernize its fleet to handle regional security challenges. Defense analysts report that the Kingdom is looking to acquire approximately 54 new fighter jets.
This requirement has triggered a fierce three-way dogfight between major global manufacturers. BAE Systems is pitching the Eurofighter Typhoon as the logical successor to the RSAF’s existing fleet.
However, the competition is stiff.
Dassault Aviation is aggressively marketing its Rafale fighter which has seen recent success in the Middle East. Meanwhile Boeing is offering the heavy-hitting F-15EX Eagle II to complement Saudi Arabia’s existing F-15 fleet.
BAE Systems holds a strategic advantage due to its long standing presence in the region.
The RSAF already operates 72 Typhoons. These were delivered starting in 2008 under the massive Project Salam agreement. Adding more of the same airframe would simplify logistics and pilot training significantly.
Steve Clutton, the managing director for BAE’s Saudi operations, highlighted the ongoing discussions during the recent World Defense Show. He noted that the company is fully supporting the UK government’s response to the Saudi requirement.
The mood among British defense officials suggests the door is now wide open. This follows the pivotal decision by the German government earlier this year to lift its long standing veto on exporting Eurofighter jets to Saudi Arabia. That political shift has cleared the runway for serious negotiations to resume.
Vision 2030 and Local Manufacturing
The deciding factor in this deal will not just be about speed or firepower. It will be about economics.
Saudi Arabia is aggressively pursuing its Vision 2030 initiative. This national roadmap mandates that 50 percent of defense spending must be localized within the Kingdom by the end of the decade.
Any manufacturer wanting to win this contract must offer a substantial “industrialization package.”
BAE Systems appears ready to meet this demand head-on. The company has proposed a comprehensive plan that includes the final assembly of the Typhoon jets on Saudi soil.
This is not a new concept for the British contractor.
Under previous agreements BAE successfully assembled 22 Hawk advanced jet trainers at the King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran. This experience provides a solid foundation for the more complex Typhoon assembly lines.
Key elements of the proposed industrial package include:
- In-country Final Assembly: Building the jets within Saudi borders to transfer skills and technology.
- Supply Chain Integration: Expanding the local manufacturing of spare parts and components.
- Job Creation: Training thousands of Saudi nationals in high tech aerospace engineering roles.
- Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO): Establishing local hubs to service the fleet for decades to come.
Clutton emphasized that over 100 aircraft parts are already manufactured locally. He stated that increasing these activities is a central pillar of their offer to Riyadh.
Next-Generation Radar Technology
To sweeten the deal BAE Systems is putting its latest technology on the table.
The new offer formally includes the Leonardo ECRS Mk2 radar. This is the world’s most advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designed specifically for the Typhoon.
The Royal Air Force recently committed to upgrading 40 of its own Tranche 3 Typhoons with this sensor. Now that the technology is maturing it is available for export customers like Saudi Arabia.
The ECRS Mk2 is a game changer for modern aerial warfare.
It does more than just detect enemy aircraft. It functions as a powerful electronic warfare weapon. The radar can actively jam enemy air defenses and disrupt the sensors of opposing fighters while staying outside their engagement range.
Technological advantages of the ECRS Mk2:
| Feature | Operational Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wide Bandwidth | Allows the jet to detect targets and jam enemies simultaneously. |
| Electronic Attack | Can blind enemy radar systems without firing a missile. |
| Search Capabilities | Detects stealthy targets at greater ranges than previous mechanical radars. |
This capability addresses a key Saudi concern regarding the proliferation of advanced drone and missile threats in the region.
Strategic Alliances and Future Programs
The discussions extend beyond just buying hardware. They touch on the future of combat aviation itself.
Saudi Arabia has expressed a strong interest in joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This is a tri-national initiative between the UK, Italy and Japan to build a sixth-generation stealth fighter by 2035.
While Japan has historically been hesitant about expanding the partnership the UK and Italy have shown more openness to Saudi participation.
Securing a Typhoon order now could be seen as a stepping stone toward that future partnership. It cements the strategic military relationship between London and Riyadh for another generation.
BAE Systems is approaching a significant milestone. The company will soon mark 60 years of operation in the Kingdom. The relationship began with the English Electric Lightning and has weathered shifting political winds for decades.
A win here would secure thousands of jobs across BAE’s factory sites in Warton and Samlesbury in the UK. It would also solidify the Typhoon production line well into the 2030s.
The coming months are crucial. With the German ban lifted and the technology offer finalized the ball is now in Riyadh’s court. The decision will reshape the balance of air power in the Middle East for years to come.
