Boeing signs defence and commercial deals with Saudi Arabia
22 May 2017
Boeing on Sunday signed a number of defence and commercial deals with Saudi Arabia, including the sale of military and passenger aircraft, during a visit by US president Donald Trump to the kingdom.
The announcement comes as the latest in tens of billions of dollars worth of deals signed between US and Saudi firms since Trump arrived in Riyadh on Saturday.
According to Boeing, Saudi Arabia had agreed to buy Chinook helicopters, associated support services and guided weapons systems besides a planned purchase of P-8 surveillance aircraft.
The statement regarding the announcements had no reference to the total value of the deals or how many aircraft Saudi Arabia intended to purchase.
The US State Department had announced in December that it planned to sell Saudi Arabia CH-47F Chinook cargo helicopters and related equipment, training and support worth $3.51 billion.
According to commentators, Saudi Arabia was looking for closer defence and commercial ties with the US under Trump, as it sought to expand its economy beyond oil. It was also leading a coalition, fighting a war in Yemen.
''These announcements reaffirm our commitment to the economic growth, prosperity and national security of both Saudi Arabia and the United States, helping to create or sustain thousands of jobs in our two countries,'' Reuters quoted Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg as saying.
Boeing also announc3ed plans to establish a joint venture with Saudi Arabia to provide "sustainment services for a wide range of military platforms.
