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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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Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee Meets in Riyadh

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
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Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee Meets in Riyadh

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)
The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi. (SPA)

The second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee to follow up on the Beijing Agreement was held in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The meeting was chaired by Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed A.Elkhereiji, with the participation of the Chinese delegation, headed by China’s Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Li, and Iranian delegation, chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi.

The Saudi and Iranian sides reiterated their commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement in all its provisions and their continued effort to consolidate neighborly relations between their countries by respecting the Charter of the United Nations and the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international law. This includes respecting the sovereignty, independence, and security of states.

Saudi Arabia and Iran welcomed the continued positive role played by China and the importance of its support and follow-up on the implementation of the Beijing Agreement that was signed in March 2023.

China underscored its readiness to continue to support and encourage the steps taken by Saudi Arabia and Iran to develop their relationship in various fields.

The three countries welcomed the continued progress in Saudi-Iranian relations and the opportunities it provides for direct communication between the two countries at all levels and sectors.

They noted the great importance of these contacts, meetings and mutual visits between high officials from the two countries, especially in light of the current regional tensions and escalation that threaten the security of the region and world.

The officials welcomed the progress of consular services between the two countries, which allowed more than 87,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform the Hajj and more than 52,000 Iranians to perform the Umrah with ease and security during the first ten months of 2024.

They welcomed the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian joint Media Committee and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and the Institute of Political and International Studies of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Saudi Arabia and Iran additionally expressed readiness to sign a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Along with China, they look forward to expanding cooperation among them in various fields including economic and political.

The three countries called for an immediate end to the Israeli assault against Palestine and Lebanon, condemning its attacks and violations of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They further called for the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid and relief to Palestine and Lebanon, warning that the continuing cycle of violence and escalation is a serious threat to the security of the region and world.

The three countries reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution in Yemen in line with internationally recognized principles under the auspices of the United Nations.