Contribution to an Era of Development in the Kingdom
- BAE Systems brings a rich heritage to the economic development of the Kingdom.
- The Company has had a presence in the Kingdom since 1973 (1393 Hejira) as prime contractor for the Saudi government-British government agreement to support Lightning and Strikemaster aircraft in service with the Royal Saudi Air Force.
- In 1985, a new government-to-government agreement was signed covering supply and support of Tornado, Hawk and PC-9 aircraft and, at a later date, minehunter ships. Again BAE Systems was appointed prime contractor, working in close co-operation with the Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Saudi Naval Force. By meeting its commitments, the Company has helped preserve the long-term security of the country and its people.
- A new government-to-government agreement, known as the Saudi British Defence Co-operation Programme, was inaugurated at the start of 2007. This took over the bulk of the former undertakings as well as providing the platform for a new era of partnership between the two governments in modernising the armed forces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Salam Project, which provides for the acquisition of 72 Typhoon aircraft in a programme aimed at the modernisation of the Saudi Armed Forces, was launched in September 2007. This carries substantial packages of work and expertise transfers, including in-country assembly of Typhoons, aimed at developing the Saudi industrial aerospace sector.
- In addition to these programmes the Company has supplied the Royal Saudi Land Forces and National Guard with a variety of vehicles and equipment over the last 4 decades.
