Straw: Fighter deal is possible

7:00pm Tuesday 25th April 2006

BLACKBURN MP Jack Straw has had positive' talks with Middle East government officials who could boost East Lancashire jobs by ordering aircraft made by BAE Systems.

Mr Straw has been in Saudi Arabia and has revealed how he approached the Riyadh defence minister about a deal with BAE Systems for Eurofighter Typhoons parts of which are made at the firm's Samlesbury aerodrome.

The multi-billion pound deal to provide the country with jets has taken months to negotiate, and it is said Saudi Arabia is interested in an initial order of 24 aircraft, as part of a total package of 72 to be provided in coming years.

The deal is separate from a historic contract between BAE Systems and Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1986, known as the Al-Yamamah contract.

Al-Yamamah is the largest ever British export agreement. The new planes would replace this previous deal.

Mr Straw said: "We discussed BA and the possible purchase of the Typhoon Eurofighter. I had a very constructive discussion with Crown Prince Sultan, the Saudi Defence Minister.

"This is not part of the Al Yamamah contract, but is obviously a follow up. There are still some hurdles to overcome but I'm hopeful that the Saudis will buy the Typhoon."