(MENAFN- Arab News) The Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) is using its new Typhoon jets for the first time in the bombing campaign against the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
'The Typhoon aircraft is an amazing plane' said Monther M. Tayeb spokesman for BAE Systems one of the manufacturers.
Tayeb said the aircraft 'combines a proven agile airframe built from excellent materials with the latest sensor control and weapons systems thus delivering the optimum combat capability.'
'Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the company's relationship with the RASF and Saudi Arabia and we look forward to many more years of working together to help protect the Kingdom' Tayeb added.
Saudi Arabia is one of only six countries in the world that owns Typhoon jets. Others are Austria Germany Italy Spain and Britain.
The Kingdom bought 72 Typhoon jets in a $8-billion deal with Britain and has thus far received 24 which were assembled in the Kingdom. The deal includes the training of Saudi pilots and technicians. The first two were delivered to the King Fahd Airbase in Taif.
Every Typhoon plane is equipped with the latest technology. It can take off quickly if needed and is highly maneuverable. It can carry 13 rockets four under each wing and five under the fuselage. It can also carry cruise missiles and anti-ground defense systems.
The partner companies involved in building the plane include Airbus Defense and Space (Germany) Alenia Aermacchi of Italy and Airbus Defense and Space (Spain). Each of the European Partner Companies has responsibility for different elements of the aircraft.
The partnership operates through Eurofighter GmbH the company set up to manage the development and production of the Typhoon.