Arab News, Thursday, Mar 02, 2023 | Sha'ban 10, 1444
Saudi Arabia, UK to study cooperation in future combat air system
Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia signed a declaration with the UK
outlining its intent to participate in the Future Combat Air System program and
potential industrial projects, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman
met with his British counterpart Ben Wallace in Riyadh on Wednesday.
The two officials reviewed strategic bilateral
relations and cooperation in the military and defense fields.
“We also exchanged thoughts on regional and
international developments and our efforts towards them,” Prince Khalid said.
FCAS is an acronym widely used for next-generation
fighter projects, including the British-led Tempest program which was recently
expanded to include Japan under a new framework called Global Air Combat
Programme.
The program will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s
defensive capabilities “through a comprehensive partnership that includes joint
production and research and development projects for future air systems,” Prince
Khalid said.
Last year, Prince Khalid welcomed the signing of a
plan for defense cooperation, after the pair met in the UK in December. Wallace
said the deal brings the two partners closer together in support of regional
security.