SAUDI Arabia is poised to buy more Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft for its National Air Force.
This came after the German government lifted the blockade on the potential sale of the fourth-generation fighter to the wealthy Gulf nation.
According to the German Foreign Ministry, Saudi Arabia’s use of the Eurofighters to shoot Houthi missiles while on their way to Israel was the reason behind the change of stance.
Saudi Arabia currently owns a fleet of 72 Eurofighters after the first sale with British manufacturer BAE Systems was agreed in 2007.
However, the second order for 48 aircraft was put on hold for more than five years after Germany refused to issue arms export licenses to Saudi Arabia for its role in Yemen.
The UK government and BAE Systems lead the campaign to secure the second order for 48 aircraft but a German government spokesperson said there is no deal in place for a new order.
If a deal pushes through, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain would each contribute to building the planes.
Neighboring Gulf countries such as Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar also operate Eurofighter Typhoons.
