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Saudi Arabia Signs Deal for 4 Airbus A330 MRTTs

Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, and Head of Air Power at Airbus Defense and Space Jean-Brice Dumont. SPA
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, and Head of Air Power at Airbus Defense and Space Jean-Brice Dumont. SPA
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Saudi Arabia Signs Deal for 4 Airbus A330 MRTTs

Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, and Head of Air Power at Airbus Defense and Space Jean-Brice Dumont. SPA
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, and Head of Air Power at Airbus Defense and Space Jean-Brice Dumont. SPA

Saudi Arabia has signed a deal to buy four Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, the Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.

The contract was endorsed by Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense for Executive Affairs Dr. Khaled bin Hussein Al-Bayari, and Head of Air Power at Airbus Defense and Space Jean-Brice Dumont.

Al-Bayari said these new aircraft will bolster the RSAF's capabilities in air-to-air refueling and transport missions, as well as strengthen the Defense Ministry's capacity in troop and equipment transport operations, ultimately enhancing the Kingdom's defense capabilities.

Dumont highlighted that the A330 MRTT is the most capable new-generation tanker and transport aircraft globally, with 90% market share outside the US and 82 orders from 15 countries. This marks the third contract signed by Saudi Arabia for the A330 MRTT, solidifying RSAF's position as one of the largest MRTT operators worldwide.

The agreement includes an Industrial Participation (IP) component aimed at developing the aviation industry in Saudi Arabia. This initiative involves establishing local manufacturing capabilities, nurturing talent in aircraft engineering, development, and repair, and enhancing safety, quality, and supply chains within the country. Additionally, the agreement facilitates technology transfer and the sharing of expertise related to the RSAF A330 MRTT with local companies.

SAAMS, the joint venture between SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries) and Airbus, will play a crucial role in industrial localization efforts, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goal to localize over 50% of military spending by 2030.

Earlier this year, the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) also signed an IP agreement with Airbus Defense and Space to localize the multi-role refueling aircraft industry and its constituent systems, ensuring compliance with global specifications and standards. This strategic move underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to advancing its defense industries and localizing military equipment and services.

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Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Sovereignty
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Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Sovereignty

Muslim World League Affirms Support for Saudi Measures to Preserve Sovereignty

The Muslim World League (MWL) has affirmed its full support for the supplementary statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding recent escalatory actions by the Southern Transitional Council in the Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.

The league also expressed its support for the statement from the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen concerning the unauthorized movement of ships carrying weapons and heavy vehicles from the Port of Fujairah to the Port of Mukalla, SPA reported.

These shipments were reportedly transported without the necessary official permits from the coalition’s Joint Forces Command. The MWL emphasized its unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom and its support for all measures taken to safeguard its national security.

In an official statement released by the General Secretariat, MWL Secretary-General and Organization of Muslim Scholars Chairman Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa commended the decisive and wise content of the Saudi statement.

Speaking on behalf of the league’s global assemblies and councils, Al-Issa noted that these measures are vital to ensuring peace, security, and the unity of the Yemeni people under their internationally recognized leadership.

Al-Issa highlighted that the priority remains preserving stability in Yemen and the broader region. He noted that outstanding issues, including the Southern cause, must be resolved through dialogue within established legal and legitimate frameworks.

Furthermore, he warned that supporting illegitimate practices only deepens internal divisions and serves those who do not have Yemen’s best interests at heart. He cautioned that any further steps deviating from the legitimate path would only ignite sedition, the heavy cost of which would be borne by the Yemeni people.

Concluding the statement, Al-Issa called upon all Yemeni parties to prioritize wisdom and the national interest. He urged them to unite under their legitimate leadership to preserve the country's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, paving the way for a secure and prosperous future for Yemen.

Gulf

President of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Nullifies Joint Defense Agreement with UAE

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)
Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)
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President of Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council Nullifies Joint Defense Agreement with UAE

Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)
Dr. Rashad Al-Alimi during his interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (Yemeni Presidency)

President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi issued a presidential decree on Tuesday nullifying the joint defense agreement with the United Arab Emirates, based on the Constitution of the Republic of Yemen, the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the decision on the transfer of power, the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council, and the powers granted to it under the constitution, according to the Yemen News Agency (Saba).

Article Two of the decree mandates that all UAE forces and personnel withdraw from Yemeni territory within 24 hours, according to SPA.

Article Three instructs the Homeland Shield forces to assume control of all military camps in Hadramout and Al-Mahara governorates.

Gulf

Yemeni Government Commends Saudi Historic Stance and Its Leadership of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
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Yemeni Government Commends Saudi Historic Stance and Its Leadership of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy

File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT
File photo of the Saudi flag/AAWSAT

The Yemeni government commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's historic and steadfast stances, highlighting its crucial role in ensuring Yemen's security and stability.

The government acknowledged Saudi Arabia's leadership of the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy and its ongoing commitment to protecting civilians, de-escalating tensions, and preventing the eastern governorates from being drawn into conflicts that serve hostile agendas, SPA reported.

In an official statement, the government called on the Southern Transitional Council to withdraw immediately and unconditionally from the governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahara. It urged the council to hand over all locations and camps to the Homeland Shield Forces and local authorities in these governorates, to adhere to the terms of reference of the transitional phase, and to cease all military or escalatory actions that threaten local security and undermine de-escalation efforts.

The statement, which was reported by the Yemen News Agency (Saba), expressed the government's full support for the decisions made by President of the Presidential Leadership Council of the Republic of Yemen Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, who is also Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

This includes declaring a state of emergency across Yemen and taking necessary sovereign measures to protect local security, preserve the unity and sovereignty of the state, and maintain its legal status in light of the dangerous developments in Yemen's eastern governorates.

The government stated: "The declaration of a state of emergency is grounded in the constitution and the references of the transitional phase, based on the recommendations of the National Defense Council.

It is a legitimate constitutional measure necessitated by our national duty to confront armed rebellion, protect civil peace, and prevent a descent into chaos that could undermine state institutions."