Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom today signed a Declaration of Intent for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) program.
As part of the participation, Saudi Arabia is looking at joint production and R&D projects for future aerial systems, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman tweeted.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed a declaration of intent to participate in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, which will strengthen the defense capabilities of the Saudi Armed Forces through a comprehensive partnership that includes joint production and R&D projects for future air systems,” the tweet said.
We signed KSA’s Declaration of Intent to participate in the Future Combat Air System Program (FCAS) to strengthen KSA’s defense capabilities through a comprehensive partnership that includes joint production and R&D programs for future aircraft systems. pic.twitter.com/PXTmnBHVcB
– Khalid Bin Salman ???? ?? ????? (@kbsalsaud) March 1, 2023
On behalf of the UK, the agreement was signed by UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.
The UK-led FCAS project, also known as the Tempest project, involves Japan and Italy to develop a future jet fighter. Companies involved include BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, Rolls-Royce, MBDA UK and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
FCAS, first announced in 2017 by French President Emmanuel Macron and then German Chancellor Angela Merkel, is designed to replace the Eurofighter and Dassault Rafale from 2040 with a mix of manned and unmanned aircraft.
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