The country, which supplies a third of the plane’s components, has the option to block all exports, much to the chagrin of the British. The fighter assembled in England is a joint program with Germany, Italy and Spain.
Germany raises its voice on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has indicated that Germany will not deliver any Eurofighter combat aircraft to Saudi Arabia in this legislative period, i.e. until autumn 2025.
“There will not be a decision about Eurofighter deliveries to Saudi Arabia any time soon,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).
The country, which supplies a third of the plane’s components, has the option to block all exports, much to the chagrin of the British. Remember that the fighter jet assembled in England is a joint program with Germany, Italy and Spain.
remembering facts. Since the assassination of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Berlin has halted all arms sales to Saudi Arabia. In addition, this position was strengthened by the war waged by Riyadh in Yemen.
A contract for 48 Eurofighters
A position that is part of the 2021 coalition agreement between the SPD, the Greens and the FDP. “They are directly involved in the war in Yemen.”
This situation irritates Great Britain, BAE Systems actually made an agreement to sell 48 Eurofighters to Saudi Arabia 5 years ago. Especially since the situation in Yemen has calmed down. A formal ceasefire was reached between April and October 2022 with the help of the United Nations.
But as the Americans sometimes do with ITAR regulations, Germany can block any export of the fighter jet if it is involved in its manufacture.
Such a decision would send a bad signal at a time when the head of the Eurofighter consortium is estimating the potential for sales of 200 aircraft over the next two years.
Another concern is that this decision simultaneously raises doubts about the exports of the future fighter jet, the SCAF, a project in which France, Germany, Spain and Belgium are involved as observer members. What would happen if Berlin or another country blocked the export?
In the meantime, Dassault could well struggle with this situation. Saudi Arabia is very interested in the Rafale and could purchase between 100 and 200 aircraft, according to some sources.
Jean Baptiste Huet with OC