Germany agrees to sell advanced air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia.
Berlin announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to sell air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia for installation in the Eurofighter fighter jet.
German government spokesman said on Wednesday that Berlin has agreed to deliver 150 Iris T air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia.
According to “Reuters” news agency, these missiles are produced by Germany’s “Diehl” arms company and are fired by “Eurofighter” fighters. The Eurofighter fighter project is a joint effort of England, Germany, Italy and Spain.
An informed source said: “These new missiles have not yet been delivered and are to supplement Saudi Arabia’s stockpiles in recent years.”
In a major shift in Berlin’s foreign policy, Germany’s chancellor and foreign minister, Olaf Schultz and Analena Barbock, said Berlin would no longer block the sale of more European fighter jets to Riyadh.
German Foreign Minister said during his visit to occupied Palestine that Berlin is ready to sell these fighters to Saudi Arabia.
Germany has blocked arms sales to Riyadh since the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, an anti-Saudi journalist, in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. This included the non-sale of 48 Eurofighter jets signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in London.
The Saudi Air Force consists of American-made F-15 fighters, but Saudi pilots are of average quality.
News sources had previously announced Saudi Arabia’s desire to buy the French-made Rafale fighter. Saudi Arabia is also eyeing the French-made Rafale fighter.
“Richard Abulafia,” an aviation analyst, said: “The Saudis are getting the F-15 fighter from the United States, and of course they want the F-35 as well.” “But they are eager to meet their needs from a dual source.”