Saudi Arabia and Airbus are currently in discussions regarding the potential procurement of additional A330 military tanker and A400M transport aircraft for the Saudi Air Force.
The nation presently operates six A330s, which were fully delivered in 2015, enhancing its capabilities in air-to-air refueling and troop transportation.
Negotiations are being facilitated by Airbus’ joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries, in which Airbus holds a 49 percent stake, as reported by The Business Times.
Apart from considering the acquisition of aerial refueling assets, Saudi Arabia is reportedly evaluating the possibility of acquiring A400M military transport aircraft.
Speaking at the World Defence Show in Riyadh, Airbus official Jean-Brice Dumond acknowledged the interest in the A400M from the Saudi Air Force and Ministry of Defence, stating that they would address it accordingly.
This heightened interest in aerial assets reflects Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen its air capabilities. In October 2023, negotiations between the French government and Riyadh commenced for the potential sale of 54 Rafale fighter jets. Additionally, the Kingdom has expressed interest in participating in the next-generation fighter jet program alongside the UK, Italy, and Japan, offering substantial financial support and engineering expertise for the project’s development phases.
Furthermore, following Germany’s decision to lift its arms embargo on the Gulf kingdom, Saudi Arabia is on track to become the newest operator of the Eurofighter.
LINK TO ARTICLE: https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/02/06/saudi-airbus-military-aircraft/