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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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Gulf

Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
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Erdogan: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye Eye Joint Investment in KAAN Fighter Jet

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Riyadh (Turkish Presidency). 

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said work has begun on a defense cooperation agreement between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia that includes joint investment in the production of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet.

Erdogan said Türkiye’s progress in defense industries is being closely followed by Saudi Arabia, as well as by other countries, adding that Ankara is preparing to conclude significant agreements with Riyadh in this field.

Speaking to a group of Turkish journalists on his return from a regional tour that included Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with his remarks published on Thursday, Erdogan said: “We have received many positive comments on the Turkish fighter KAAN, and discussions are under way on joint investment with Saudi Arabia in this regard.”

He stressed that KAAN is not merely a combat aircraft but a symbol of Türkiye’s engineering capabilities and its determination to maintain an independent defense posture. He added that cooperation with Saudi Arabia in this area is likely to expand, including through joint investments.

In February 2024, Türkiye announced the successful first flight of its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries. With this milestone, Türkiye became one of only five countries capable of producing fifth-generation fighter aircraft and aims to export the jet.

KAAN is designed to carry out air-to-air combat missions and conduct precision strikes from internal weapons bays at supersonic speed.

Erdogan said he held “highly productive” talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Riyadh on Tuesday, noting that Saudi Arabia holds a special place for Türkiye in defense industries, transport, healthcare, investment, and construction services. Bilateral trade reached $8 billion in 2025, while Turkish contractors have completed more than 400 projects in the Kingdom worth a total of $30 billion.

He added that Saudi Arabia and Türkiye share aligned views on regional issues, stressing that both countries oppose any new war in the region and favor peace, stability, and calm, which he said would benefit all parties.

 

 

 

 

 

Gulf

Saudi Crown Prince Receives Letter from Maldives President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
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Saudi Crown Prince Receives Letter from Maldives President

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (SPA)

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received a letter from Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on bilateral relations between their countries.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received the letter on Thursday during a meeting with Maldives Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Sareer at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Discussions during the meeting addressed bilateral relations and topics of mutual interest.

Gulf

Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
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Albudaiwi: 'Arabian Gulf Security 4' Exercise Enhances GCC Security Integration

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi affirmed that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" tactical exercise serves to bolster Gulf security integration and embodies the unity and shared destiny of member states.

The statement was made Wednesday during Albudaiwi’s participation in the closing day of the exercise, held in Qatar. The event was attended by Qatari Interior Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani along with the GCC Ministers of Interior.

"This fourth edition of the drill, conducted by the GCC Ministries of Interior with the participation of specialized units from the friendly United States of America, is of paramount importance in supporting the collective Gulf security framework," the secretary-general said.

He stressed its role in enhancing coordination and integration among the respective ministries and elevating joint readiness and response to security challenges, thereby contributing to the consolidation of security and stability across the GCC.

He further highlighted that the "Arabian Gulf Security 4" exercise reflects a mutual commitment to advancing security operational mechanisms, exchanging expertise and best practices, as well as unifying efforts to counter transnational risks and threats. He pointed out that such maneuvers constitute a fundamental pillar for strengthening institutional integration and security cooperation pathways among member states.

The secretary-general expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Interior of Qatar in hosting and organizing the exercise, noting that the extensive resources and capabilities provided were instrumental to its success.

Closing his remarks, he voiced his aspiration that the exercise achieves its strategic objectives, fulfilling the visions of leaders of the GCC states, and ensuring sustained security and stability for the peoples of the GCC.