Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, held talks in London on Friday with British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson on the final day of his visit to the UK.
The two officials discussed strategic cooperation and ways to develop it in the defense and military fields. They also tackled counter-terrorism efforts.
“The Crown Prince’s visit has opened a new chapter in our two countries’ historic relationship,” Williamson said.
Britain signed a multi-billion-pound preliminary order from Saudi Arabia for 48 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, military equipment maker BAE Systems said on Friday.
Prince Mohammed has been in the British capital for three days on a mission to build broader trade and investment ties, meeting Queen Elizabeth, Prime Minister Theresa May and executives.
BAE Systems added in a statement that the order would help Riyadh modernize its armed forces under the Kingdom's “Vision 2030” economic plan, while no financial details were given.
Eurofighter was developed by a European consortium that also comprises Italy's Finmeccanica and Franco-German civilian planemaker Airbus.
"The UK Government has signed a Memorandum of Intent with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to aim to finalize discussions for the purchase of 48 Typhoon Aircraft," BAE Systems said in a brief statement to the London Stock Exchange.
"This is a positive step towards agreeing a contract for our valued partner.
"We are committed to supporting the Kingdom as it modernizes the Saudi Armed Forces and develops key industrial capabilities critical to the delivery of Vision 2030."
Friday's blockbuster announcement follows long-running discussions with Saudi Arabia, which already has a total of 72 Eurofighter Typhoon planes in its fleet.
The Eurofighter Typhoon -- a competitor to the Rafale jet manufactured by French arms maker Dassault -- has four major customers comprising Austria, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi.
Back in April 2016, the Saudi government approved major reform plans dubbed Vision 2030 that are aimed at diversifying the nation's oil-dependent economy.
