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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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Mohamed bin Zayed, European Council President Discuss Strengthening Ties and Regional Developments

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
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Mohamed bin Zayed, European Council President Discuss Strengthening Ties and Regional Developments

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, in Abu Dhabi. WAM

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, have discussed ways to develop and expand relations to serve the common interests of all sides and foster growth and prosperity.

During Friday’s meeting, which took place at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed emphasized the deep ties between the UAE and the European Union, as well as the ongoing commitment to strengthening these relations to support their shared goals and promote peace and development at both the regional and global levels.

The meeting also touched upon the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union summit scheduled for October in Brussels. The UAE President and Michel emphasized the significance of the summit in advancing relations, especially in economic and developmental areas, and setting the stage for further progress in the years ahead.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the European Council President also reviewed several regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly developments in the Middle East. They underscored the importance of reaching an urgent ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip to allow for adequate humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of its residents. They also stressed the need to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank and to push for a permanent and stable peace process based on the two-state solution.

Both sides emphasized the seriousness of escalating tensions in the region and the critical need for international efforts to contain and prevent the expansion of conflicts, which pose a threat to regional security and stability.

Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s support for all efforts aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in Gaza and fostering stability and peace in the region. He also highlighted the UAE's commitment to cooperating with the European Union and other concerned parties to enhance the humanitarian response to the worsening situation in Gaza and support regional stability.

Charles Michel praised the UAE's position in support of Gulf-European cooperation and its influential humanitarian role in Gaza. He also commended the UAE’s contributions to peace and stability in the Middle East.