Saudi buys UK training jets for $3bn

Saudi Arabia said on Wednesday it had signed a $3 billion deal with the United Kingdom to buy air force training planes, beefing up the Gulf nation's defense capabilities as regional tensions rise.

The deal includes 22 Hawk advanced jet trainers made by Britain's BAE Systems, the defense contractor said.

Saudi Arabia will also receive 55 Swiss-made Pilatus PC-21 propeller-driven trainers, as well as simulators, ground equipment, training materials and spare parts as part of the package, according to BAE and the official Saudi Press Agency.

The deal "will have a significant impact on the qualification of Saudi air crews to be able to use fighter aircraft ... with efficiency and professionalism," an unnamed Saudi defense official told SPA. The official valued the deal at $3 billion.

Riyadh is fortifying its military capabilities to counter a perceived threat from regional rivals, particularly Iran.

Late last year, the U.S. finalized the sale of $30 billion worth of F-15SA fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. That deal included 84 new fighter jets and upgrades for 70 more. It was part of an immense $60 billion arms package with Saudi Arabia that includes helicopters, missiles, bombs, radar warning systems and other equipment.

The planes in the UK deal will likely be used to train pilots to fly planes Riyadh already has on order. Saudi Arabia signed a deal with Britain in 2007 to buy 72 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, which are partly made by BAE.

BAE, Europe's largest defense contractor, expects the less sophisticated PC-21 planes will begin arriving in 2014. It plans to deliver the first Hawks in 2016.

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