Riyadh will expand international defence cooperation

Significance

These efforts will now be advanced by the German foreign minister's January 7 lifting of a veto on the delivery of Eurofighter aircraft to Riyadh. Berlin had previously opposed the sale because of the alleged 2018 Saudi killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Riyadh’s actions in Yemen. Germany’s decision will allow a pan-European consortia to close the planned multi-billion package of around 50 aircraft.

Impacts

• The localisation of weapons system maintenance will broaden into local manufacturing and shipbuilding.
• Developments since October 7, 2023, may prompt European arms manufacturers to export more defensive and offensive weapon systems to Riyadh.
• The actions of Yemen’s Huthis in the Red Sea will encourage the US Congress to loosen its approval of sale of defensive systems to Riyadh.
• The government will prioritise new procurement of drone and counter-drone capabilities across all armed services.