Saudi Arabia reveals progress of Tornado upgrade

While reports of Saudi Arabia's imminent order for 72 Eurofighter Typhoons dominated the headlines, eight of the nation's Panavia Tornado fighters were taking part in a low-profile exercise with the UK Royal Air Force.

Originally named "Saudi Sword" but later rebranded "Saudi Green Flag", the bilateral manoeuvres marked the first time Riyadh had sent its Tornados outside the Gulf region, and were also evidence of a burgeoning relationship between the allies, which have both operated the swing-wing aircraft for more than two decades but formally trained together on the type for the first time only last year.

Movement towards the delayed Typhoon contract signature has grabbed the headlines following controversy over the UK's previous Al Yamamah arms deals with Saudi Arabia, which have included the delivery of equipment such as Tornado interdictor strike and air defence variant fighters and BAE Systems Hawk trainers.

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