UK and Saudi Arabia discuss defence links as Tempest superjet project progresses
UK Defence Secretary John Healey met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in London this week to discuss closer ties.
After meeting, Mr Healey described Saudi Arabia as a 'vital partner for the UK in ensuring security and stability in the Gulf'.
The two men discussed opportunities for closer defence co-operation, according to the UK's Ministry of Defence.
The two ministers held an expanded meeting during which they 'reviewed the long-standing historic ties between the two friendly countries and discussed strategic co-operation in defence fields, as well as opportunities to enhance it in ways that serve mutual interests', the official Saudi Press Agency reported. They also addressed regional and international developments, along with issues of mutual concern.
Prince Khalid also met National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin during the two days of talks, which ended on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia is keen to become the fourth partner nation for the Global Combat Air Programme that will produce the Tempest superjet, the world's most advanced aircraft, in 2035. The UK is understood to be open to involving another country. The GCAP was launched in 2022 when a joint company was established, equally owned by aerospace contractors from the three countries: BAE Systems, Leonardo and Aircraft Industrial Enhancement.
The jet is intended to be a multi-role aircraft to replace the RAF's Typhoons as they leave service from the middle of the next decade.
An official request was made by Riyadh to join the tri-nation project developed by Britain, Italy and Japan in 2023 and it was confirmed in January this year that talks were taking place.
Japan has been more cautious, and initially opposed Saudi Arabia's inclusion, fearing it might delay the tight deadline to produce the aircraft. In December, the country's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said 'assumptions' should not be made about the participation of other countries.
Italy has lobbied for Saudi Arabia to be brought on board, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly giving her backing to the proposal after meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Al Ula.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said last month that Saudi Arabia had more resources available than the other three countries as well as 'the need for technical growth'.
The Tempest, as it is known in Britain, will have advanced stealth technology with the ability to fly without a pilot. It will also be able to direct swarms of drones, as well as incorporating artificial intelligence and carrying a large ordnance of missiles and directed-energy lasers.
Using digital tools and advanced manufacturing skills, the GCAP alliance plans to build the jet in about half the time it took to launch the Eurofighter Typhoon.
UK ministers have been warned to keep a tight grip on the budget of the £12 billion ($16 billion) programme after problems with other international collaborations.
MPs on the commons defence committee acknowledged that progress so far had been positive but cautioned that previous projects with other countries had 'seen costs spiral and delays pile up'.
Mr Healey also announced on Thursday that the UK government would set up a cyber command to counter a 'continual and intensifying' level of cyber warfare as part of a strategic defence review.
It will also invest more than £1 billion into a new 'digital targeting web' to be set up by 2027 to better connect weapons systems and allow battlefield decisions to be made faster.
It could identify a threat using a sensor on a ship or in space and then disable it using an F-35 aircraft, drone or offensive cyber operation, the Ministry of Defence said.
Mr Healey said that the government was responding after about 90,000 cyber attacks from state-linked sources were directed at the UK's defence over the last two years.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Octa's oil outlook: Middle East tensions threaten global supply
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 21 June 2025 - Crude oil, which is arguably the world's most important commodity, is on everybody's mind right now. The flared up conflict in the Middle East is increasing risks of a major oil supply shock, potentially pushing the price of 'black gold' into the stratosphere and completely derailing the global economy. In this article, Octa, a global retail broker, shares its expert opinion on the unfolding situation and outlines possible scenarios for the global oil market. As it often happens, the market started to price in the possibility of a new conflict in the Middle East well in advance. On 11 June, oil prices rose more than 4% after reports surfaced that the U.S. was preparing to evacuate its Iraqi embassy due to heightened security concerns in the region. Two days later, Israel and Iran exchanged airstrikes, pushing both Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the world's two major oil benchmarks, to five-month highs as investors anticipated potential supply disruptions from an open conflict. To this day, the conflict continues without resolution and oil prices remain elevated even as there are some telltale signs that the parties may be willing to negotiate. 'This burgeoning unrest introduces an unprecedented degree of volatility, significantly amplifying the specter of a catastrophic oil supply shock', argues Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa broker, adding that the conflict between Israel and Iran 'carries ominous potential to propel crude prices to unprecedented levels, thereby unleashing a cascade of detrimental effects that could, in the most dire of scenarios, cause a major global economic crisis'. Indeed, the Middle East in general and Iran in particular play a pivotal role in global energy markets. A substantial portion of the world's crude oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) is produced and exported in this region. Iran itself, despite the existing sanctions on exports, remains an important supplier of oil—notably, for China. Furthermore, a vast number of ships carrying crude oil and LNG transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow yet vital chokepoint that Iran has repeatedly threatened to close. Should Iran act on this threat and block the strait, the repercussions would be quite severe, likely pushing global crude oil prices well above $100 per barrel, or even higher, due to the significant disruption of supply. Technically, if we look at a broader, long-term picture, WTI crude oil seems to be moving sideways with a minor bearish tilt. On a daily chart (see below), the price still has not escaped from the bearish parallel channel. However, due to the latest geopolitical news, the price has managed to rise above the 200-day moving average (MA) and seems poised to break above the critically important 77.60-78.00 area. 'Breaching the $80 handle should not be difficult if the current situation deteriorates sharply', says Kar Yong Ang. 'Continuing destruction of oil infrastructure in Iran, potential U.S. involvement in the war, countries' unwillingness to negotiate and, above all else, Iran's attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz, all of this will have a bullish impact on prices'. Indeed, a break above 80 level, would open the way towards 83.40, 85.20, 87.30, and 90.00 area. Alternatively, in case the hostilities moderate somewhat, other countries—particularly the U.S.—refrain from directly participating in the conflict, and both Israel and Iran express willingness to negotiate, bearish sentiment will immediately kick in. 'I think WTI oil may lose as much as 5 dollars per barrel in the blink of an eye should we see some progress in nuclear negotiations between Europeans and Iranians, which are due to commence in Geneva this Friday', concludes Kar Yong Ang. In this scenario, a break below 71.50 level would allow bears to target 67.80, 64.80 and 61.70. Overall, WTI crude price is now stuck in a broad range between $70 and $80. The move above and below these two levels will essentially indicate if the situation in the region is getting worse or is getting better. The chart below shows potential bullish and bearish targets, marked in green and red, respectively. NYMEX light sweet crude oil (WTI) daily chart ___ Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences. Hashtag: #Octa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Octa Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities. In Southeast Asia, Octa received the 'Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024' and the 'Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023' awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively. Octa
UAE Moments
4 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Two Dubai Restaurants Make it to World's 50 Best Restaurants
Two Dubai-based restaurants made it to the 2025 World's 50 Best Restaurants, and they are Tresind Studio and Orfali Bros. The annual list was revealed in Turin, Italy. Tresind Studio ranked 27th in the list, while Orfali Bros ranked 37th. Both restaurants had made it to the list last year, with Tresind ranking 13th and Orfali ranking 64th. Both restaurants are the only restaurants from the Middle East to make it to the list this year. This ranking follows Tresind Studio earning its third Michelin star in May this year. Tresind is an Indian-fusion restaurant run by head chef Himanshu Saini, which is located on the Palm Jumeirah.
UAE Moments
4 hours ago
- UAE Moments
US Airlines Cut Gulf Routes Amid Regional Tensions
American Airlines and United Airlines have suspended their Gulf routes due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The move marks the first time major U.S. carriers have paused services to key transit hubs like Doha and Dubai, raising concerns among travelers and industry insiders. American Airlines Suspends Philadelphia–Doha Route American Airlines has suspended its daily flight from Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar. The last flight departed from Doha early Thursday, and service is paused until at least June 22. The decision follows a security advisory from the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, which urged American citizens to remain vigilant, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and keep a low profile. In a statement, American Airlines said: 'We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation further as needed.' United Airlines Halts Newark–Dubai Service United Airlines also announced it has paused its daily Newark–Dubai flights. The airline stated it would resume the service only 'when it's safe.' This follows earlier suspensions of Tel Aviv routes by both United and Delta, after Israel launched airstrikes against Iran earlier this month. Major Hubs Affected for the First Time This is the first time the aviation disruption caused by the Israel–Iran conflict has affected regional transit giants like Dubai and Doha. These hubs are vital for long-haul flights connecting the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Air France-KLM and Air Canada have also canceled multiple flights to Gulf destinations this week, including Dubai and Riyadh, signaling a wider trend of caution among global carriers. Airspace Disruptions Continue Airspace closures reached a peak on Friday. Israel halted all overflights, and Iran temporarily shut down operations at Tehran's main airport. Other countries in the region, like Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon, have been alternating between opening and closing their airspace as tensions evolve. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar reported temporary restrictions on access to Al Udeid Air Base, a key U.S. and allied military facility in the region. What This Means for Travelers If you're traveling to or through the Middle East in the coming weeks, be sure to double-check your flight status and monitor embassy advisories. Airlines are expected to resume services only when the regional situation stabilizes.
