Aircraft
Saudi Typhoon Deal Still Not Fully Done
This model of a Royal Saudi Air Force Eurofighter displays a full Paveway II plus targeting pod fit. The Saudis have agreed to this air-ground upgrade, but have not yet agreed to final terms for the delivery of 48 more aircraft. (Photo: Chris Pocock)
This model of a Royal Saudi Air Force Eurofighter displays a full Paveway II plus targeting pod fit. The Saudis have agreed to this air-ground upgrade, but have not yet agreed to final terms for the delivery of 48 more aircraft. (Photo: Chris Pocock)

Saudi Arabia and Great Britain have still not agreed to terms for a resumption of Eurofighter Typhoon deliveries. Twenty-four aircraft are operational in the Middle East kingdom, out of the total 72 agreed in the Al-Salam deal. Construction of numbers 25 upward began in 2009, but instead of proceeding to the final assembly line, the subassemblies were placed in storage at BAE’s Warton factory. When they were eventually moved into final assembly last year, it seemed that an agreement was close.