BAE systems has been given a massive boost after Kuwait agrred to buy the 28 Typhoon fighters which the company makes through its membership of the Eurofighter consortium. “The aircraft will be completely swing role and involve a weapons package”.
Since it first entered into service in late 2003, 444 aircraft have been delivered to six countries – Germany, Britain, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia.
Alberto Gutierrez said Friday in a statement announcing the sale.
Kuwait today agreed to buy 28 Eurofighter Typhoons in a deal agreed with the Italian government.
The deal, involving the newest version of the Typhoon jet, would comprise 22 single-side jets and six dual-seat planes, a Eurofighter official said.
Dassault Aviation SA of France, won commitments in Egypt, Qatar and India.
The multi-billion-euro deal will upgrade Kuwait’s air force against the backdrop of increased regional tensions.
Italy’s defence ministry confirmed that the two governments had reached a preliminary understanding which could lead to an accord but refused to divulge any further details.
The deal follows reports in May that the Kuwaitis were in discussions with the United States to purchase up to 40 Boeing F/A-18 fighters.
The position on those negotiations is unknown, although there has been some speculation in the past that the Kuwaitis could go for a split buy.
Boeing needs authorization from the federal government before selling the Super Hornets to a foreign country, and neither that authorization nor an order from Kuwait has been received yet.
A spokesman for Boeing had said: “The USNavy and Boeing continue to discuss Super Hornets with potential Middle East customers”.
The Kuwait agreement is important for the Eurofighter consortium also to keep production humming beyond the end of the decade.
“If the deal is concluded it will be a welcome step back onto the front foot for the Typhoon after reverses in the region at the hands of the Rafale”. The sources said the 20-year-long deal with Kuwait would be finalised “in a few weeks”.