The Times: Saudi Arabia plays down threat to end talks on BAE deal
Saudi Arabian sources yesterday played down talk of a rift with BAE Systems, after speculation that the Kingdom was about to ditch plans to spend £10 billion on British-made fighter jets in favour of rival French aircraft. A senior Saudi source insisted that the country was committed to its 30-year relationship with Europe’s largest defence company, but admitted that talks over the purchase of 72 Eurofighter Typhoon jets had been “delayed”.
“This isn’t a crisis situation, nothing’s been cancelled,” the source said. “There are just some issues that need to be sorted out before things can proceed.” .........
The Saudi source said that there was no intention of issuing any kind of threat to BAE or Britain. “This stirring is being driven from London,” he said....