Jacko,
Thanks for the confirmation of the numbers merry-go-round. I assume that the 48 additional Saudi aircraft are in fact additional and will be built ("built" presumably being a malleable concept) in Saudi.
Out of interest are the Saudi jets CKD? Or are the Saudis actually gaining the indigenous capacity to bang out Typhoon unsupported? And out of interest, are the 48 going to be T2 or T3A build?
And where would further export aircraft be built? Of Oman, Japan Brazil and India? Presumably only the Omanis would not undertake domestic production - and if the Saudis were building them on their doorstep, does the deal allow for any Omani purchase to come from Saudi?
But would be a little surprised if they go below six frontline Sqns (plus 17(R) and 29(R)) - three at each.
S41