BAE Systems has entered new discussions with Saudi Arabia, regarding a potential deal in which it would provide the nation's Air Force with 60 Hawk jet trainers. The arrangement comes in rapid succession to the UK defence firm's alleged payments to Saudi Prince bin Sultan, in connection with the mid-1980s Al-Yamamah deal. As covered in detail in previous Armed Forces International News Items, an inquiry into this was brought to an abrupt end late last year.

In reaction to the new deal, opposition MPs, such as the Liberal Democrats Health Spokesman, Norman Lamb, last night sought reassurance that it hadn't been a factor in the investigation's termination. Mr Lamb stated: "One questions whether this was envisaged at the same time that the Prime Minister advised against the investigation continuing."

The contract, worth one billion pounds, would effectively link up BAE, the RAF and the Royal Saudi Air Force for years to come; the resultant training between them being worth a projected figure of billions of pounds. According to sources familiar with the status of the deal, the message was that it was "business as usual."

The investigation into the accusations of bribery in respect of Al-Yamamah was led by the Serious Fraud Office; forced to wrap its inquiries up after the government intervened. One line of thought among analysts is that the termination was in part demanded by the Saudi Royal Family, amidst threats that it would no longer proceed with the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoons (the final segment of Al-Yamamah), if not.

Commenting yesterday, Liberal Democrat MPs suggested that an additional component of the Saudi reaction to the investigation could well have been this new Hawk deal. In this respect, Mr Lamb added: "If this contract was envisaged and the Saudis were saying your prospects of winning this contract hang in the balance, that would be yet more evidence of a breach of OECD rules. It certainly needs to be pursued. Particularly if there is a link between this contract, supply of work, and the decision in December."

In the eyes of Paul Beaver, Defence Analysts, the Hawk deal highlights the strength in depth of the BAE/Saudi relationship. "If they have the European fighter, they have to have the leading fighter trainer", Mr Beaver said.

A spokesman from BAE itself was reluctant to either confirm or deny that a Hawk deal was imminent, stating: "We are talking to our long-standing customers about their requirements."

The BAE Hawk is a major success story. First flown in 1974, it has been sold to many countries including Switzerland, Finland, Indonesia, in addition to remaining in widespread RAF service. The mount of the world-renowned Red Arrows, the Hawk has, in this way, represented British industry on a global stage. Additionally, modified Hawks serve with the US Navy, where they are known as the T-45 Goshawk.

Source - Armed Forces International Newsdesk

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