From Cold War Icon to Modern Warfare, The Panavia Tornado Turns 50

On August 14, 2024, the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the Panavia Tornado was celebrated. This iconic supersonic combat aircraft was developed during the height of the Cold War by a British-German-Italian consortium. Over five decades, nearly 1,000 units were produced in various versions, including IDS for ground attack, ADS for air defense, and ECR for electronic warfare and reconnaissance.

The Tornado entered service in 1979 and quickly became a cornerstone of the air forces of the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. Although initially designed to counter the Soviet threat in Europe, the Tornado played an active role in numerous post-Cold War conflicts, such as the Gulf War, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. During the Gulf War in 1991, for example, the Tornado conducted low-altitude bombing missions in a highly dangerous environment, proving its effectiveness and robustness in combat.

Currently, both Germany's Luftwaffe and Italy's Aeronautica Militare continue to operate Tornados, although both countries plan to replace them with the F-35A. Italy expects to retire its last Tornado by 2025, while Germany plans to do so between 2026 and 2030. The UK's Royal Air Force retired its last Tornados in 2019, marking the end of an era.

The Tornado also had one export customer, Saudi Arabia, which acquired 120 of these aircraft, with approximately 80 still in operation. Besides its combat role, the Tornado has undergone continuous upgrades and modernizations over the years to maintain its relevance in the face of evolving threats.

In March 2024, the German Air Force and Airbus unveiled a special livery on one of the remaining Tornados in service, in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of this remarkable aircraft, which remains a testament to international collaboration and engineering excellence.

Saudi Arabia Plans Acquisition of 33 C-390 Millennium Aircraft to Replace Aging C-130 Hercules Fleet

In a milestone that signals a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in defense and security, Saudi Arabia's SAMI Investment Fund has initiated negotiations to acquire up to 33 Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. This ambitious project will also encompass establishing comprehensive personnel training and maintenance capacity for Embraer aircraft throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SAMI, Saudi Arabia's defense and security enterprise, and Embraer, the Brazilian aviation giant, aims to expand both companies' operational presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The primary focus will be to promote the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and provide support to the kingdom's Ministry of Defense.

A key aspect of the agreement is the establishment of comprehensive maintenance capacity for Embraer aircraft within the Kingdom. This not only ensures the optimal performance of the C-390 Millennium fleet but also supports Saudi Arabia's endeavors towards defense self-sufficiency, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Engineer Walid A. Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: "It is another significant step in SAMI's efforts to support Saudi Vision 2030 in strengthening the Kingdom's defense self-sufficiency and contributing to localizing 50% of defense spending in the Kingdom by 2030."

Moreover, the agreement entails exploring the possibility of establishing a regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center, as well as an exclusive Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Embraer C-390 Millennium. This initiative not only solidifies Embraer's presence in the region but also serves as a platform for integrating specific mission systems for Saudi aircraft and potential clients in the region.

The strategic timing of this agreement is notable as Saudi Arabia assesses the replacement of its older fleet of 33 C-130H Hercules aircraft, with the Embraer C-390 Millennium emerging as a potential candidate for this replacement. This step could mark a significant milestone for the C-390 program, which has been gaining momentum in the international market.

The collaboration between SAMI and Embraer not only strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in the aerospace industry but also aims to bolster Saudi Arabia's self-reliance and defensive capability in line with its long-term strategic objectives.

Middle East Conflict May Prompt Germany to Lift Ban on Sale of 48 Eurofighters to Saudi Arabia

According to 'Financial Times' 'Financial Times' the Israel-Hamas war has reignited a debate in Germany’s coalition government whether to lift its ban on the sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

Germany has vetoed the export of the jets since 2018 for the role of Saudi Arabia in the war in Yemen and the murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 

Typhoons are built by an UK, German, Italian and Spanish consortium and each country can veto exports of the planes to other nations. The UK, whith historic defence ties to Riyadh and has sold 72 jets to the kingdom, has been trying to secure a follow-on order for several years.

The dramatic change in the security situation in the Middle East, pressure from European allies and a change in perception about the role played by Saudi Arabia in ensuring regional stability, has begun to tilt the balance of thinking in Berlin, according to people familiar with the discussions at four different ministries in the German capital, however no final decision has been taken. 

At the behest of the German Green party, the ban on weapons sales to Saudi Arabia is a part of the coalition agreement that underpins the government of chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Greens remain staunchly opposed to lifting the ban.

A decision would have to be agreed by the German federal security council — a body on which the Greens hold two of seven seats. Its decision making rules are a state secret.  

The debate is not new. More hawkish figures in Scholz’s cabinet have long pushed for the veto to be dropped. Until now the political calculus behind such a revision has been unfavourable. As recently as July, Scholz ruled out any possibility of Typhoon sales to Riyadh. 

But Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, as well as Scholz are increasingly supportive of a change in policy over military sales to Saudi Arabia. So are ministers from the liberal Free Democrats, the third coalition party. They all want to seize the opportunity presented by the Middle East conflict to reopen the discussion on the ban.

Berlin’s change of tack could prove diplomatically awkward: Turkey, a Nato ally, has also asked to buy 40 Typhoons, and Germany has refused. Making the case that Riyadh is a more sound regional partner than Ankara and deserving of a big arms deal risks aggravating tense relations with Turkey.

In a sign of the mounting external pressure on Berlin, Britain this month resubmitted an earlier offer to sell 48 new Typhoon aircraft to Saudi, three people familiar with the situation confirmed. 

The offer includes support and training by the UK and BAE Systems over the lifespan of the jets. A promise to eventually manufacture the aircraft in the kingdom is also included, the people said. 

For Britain, resolving the impasse over the potential sale of jets has become an urgent priority. British sources briefed on the situation said that the UK was taking seriously the idea that Saudi Arabia — which is looking to replace is ageing Tornado fleet — might pursue a rival offer from Dassault to offer its Rafale jets, or even another option. “It’s a competitive bid process,” said one UK official. 

Rishi Sunak, the UK prime minister, raised the issue with Scholz during the summer, extracting a commitment to explore a way forward, according to two people. 

Other members of the Eurofighter consortium, notably Airbus, have in recent weeks raised alarm about the German stance. 

Guillaume Faury, chief executive of the pan-European aerospace and defence group, said this month that Berlin’s stance was not only “damaging for the Eurofighter but also damaging for the reputation of Germany as an export country to its partners”.

A UK government spokesperson said they were working closely with the German government: “Last year, we welcomed Germany’s decision to extend export licences for parts for Saudi Arabia’s existing Eurofighter aircraft for three years. The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to our strategic defence relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Saudi Arabia Chooses Rafale: Seeks to Purchase 54 Fighter Jets After Eurofighter and F-35 Veto

Saudi Arabia Turns to France for Fighter Jets Amid Stalled Deals with Berlin and Washington

Saudi authorities have set their sights on France as they work to resolve the acquisition of Western-made fighter jets. Saudi Arabia has long sought to move forward with the purchase of at least 48 Eurofighter fighter aircraft to supplement its existing fleet of 72 units. Simultaneously, they have been exploring the acquisition of F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, but this issue has faced a lot of handicaps and challenges. However, the Rafale of by the French company Dassault Aviation, is gaining traction as a viable alternative.

Saudi Arabia is evaluating the potential purchase of 54 Rafale. This deal has been  disclosed by the French newspaper La Tribune, which recently reported Saudi Arabia's official request for a detailed proposal. The response deadline is set for November 10. Should this plan move forward, Saudi Arabia would be following in the footsteps of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE recently committed to procuring 80 Rafale aircraft after facing difficulties in its pursuit of fifth-generation F-35 fighters, which were subject to restrictions imposed by Washington.

United States has yet to provide the green light for the sale of F-35s to Riyadh. This reluctance is rooted in the U.S.'s commitment to safeguard Israel's military predominance in the Middle East, as Israel operates F-35 aircrafts.

About the Eurofighter, the obstacle is Berlin. BAE Systems, a partner in the Eurofighter program alongside Airbus and Leonardo, is responsible for negotiating the sale of additional aircrafts to Saudi Arabia. Riyadh previously acquired 72 units. However, Germany, alongside the UK, Spain, and Italy, is obstructing the planned acquisition of at least 48 and possibly up to 72 more Eurofighter aircraft by Riyadh. An understanding memorandum was even signed in 2018. Berlin cites Saudi Arabia's poor human rights record, particularly in connection with its involvement in the Yemeni war since 2015 and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in November 2018.

According 'Defense Security Asia' the French Minister of the Armed Forces, held a meeting last month with his Saudi counterpart, in Riyadh. The discussion primarily revolved around defense collaboration, including the potential acquisition of Rafale aircraft. The contemplated purchase could range from one hundred to two hundred Rafale aircraft.

The Rafale has achieved remarkable success. To date, 310 units have been sold for export, more than double the number of its closest competitor, the Eurofighter, developed by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, which has sold 151 units outside of its partner countries (681 Eurofighter units compared to 596 Rafale units with the four partner nations).

Rafale aircrafts have been sold to Qatar (36 units), Egypt (54 units), Greece (24 units, including 12 from the French arsenal), India (62 units, comprising 36 conventional and 26 naval versions), Croatia (12 units, second-hand acquisitions), the United Arab Emirates (80 units), and Indonesia (42 units). In contrast, Eurofighter sales include Austria (15 units), Kuwait (28 units), Oman (12 units), Saudi Arabia (72 units), and Qatar (24 units).

Related:

Saudi Arabia interested in A400M

Spain cancels bombs sale to Saudi Arabia amid Yemen concerns

SAUDI ARABIA TO ACQUIRE 48 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON MORE FROM UK

Saudi Arabia interested in A400M

The Royal Saudi Air Force is currently considering the Airbus Military A400M Atlas medium lift transport aircraft.
Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Arabia Military Industries, Dr Andreas Schwer, told Jane's of the country's interest in the platform to fulfil a need for the transportation of armoured vehicles by the country's military.
"The focus of the Saudi Air Force and other local customers has changed from a 10-tonne payload platform to higher capacity platforms. There's a shift in focus on our side to bigger aviation platforms…but we might shift priority to a bigger model [aircraft]," Schwer said.
Saudi Arabia currently operates the Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules for transport, with approval for the acquisition of 25 C-130J aircraft given in 2012 by the US Congress. Progress on the acquisition of the C-130J platform has, however, been slow to materialise.
"The C-130 payload is 20 tonnes, and the An-132D is a 10-tonne payload, so you need to acquire a bigger platform. The Air Force is looking to go into the 40-tonne size, and that is why we are in intense discussions with Airbus over the A400M."
The development of the An-132D programme had also changed following the acquisition of elements of Taqnia and the King Abdulaziz Centre for Science & Technology (KACST) by SAMI, with SAMI now examining the commercial and export potential of the aircraft before proceeding further with the programme.
Development of the An-132D had been between Taqnia, KACST, and Ukraine's Antonov. The An-132D was based on a legacy An-32 'Cline' transport aircraft that had been modernised to Western standards. Production was planned to take place in Saudi Arabia, with the aircraft to be sold to commercial and military users for operations in austere environments.
janes

SAUDI ARABIA TO ACQUIRE 48 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON MORE FROM UK

Saudi Arabia could be set to acquire a follow-on batch of 48 Eurofighter Typhoons, pending the conclusion of government-to-government discussions with the UK disclosed on 9 March.
"The UK government has signed a memorandum of intent with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to aim to finalise discussions for the purchase of 48 Typhoon aircraft," BAE says. The Royal Saudi Air Force already has acquired 72 of the European type, with deliveries under its Project Salam acquisition having concluded last year.
flightglobal

Yemeni Houthi Claim To Have Shoot Down Saudi Eurofighter

Yemeni armed forces said they shot down the a Saudi Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon with a surface-to-air missile as it was flying in the skies over Nihm district east of the Yemeni capital city of Sana’a on Friday evening, Saba news agency reported.
"We have the capacity to develop the Yemeni Air Defense and we are willing to (give) more surprises as long as the aggression continues," the Yemeni military chief, General Ibrahim al-Shami, said on Friday.
The general also confirmed that Yemeni forces are changing their air strategy to counter Riyadh, calling on the Saudi regime to "take these advances" seriously.
The downing of the jet came after Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, said Riyadh’s aggression against Yemen, which began in March 2015, will continue.
Since March 25, 2015, Saudi Arabia and some of its Arab allies have been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthi Ansarullah movement in an attempt to restore power to fugitive former President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, a close ally of Riyadh.
tasnimnews
sabanews

BAE progresses pre-delivery trials of Saudi Hawks

Pre-delivery trials of the first of 44 BAE Systems Hawk Mk 165 Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft for Saudi Arabia are progressing ahead of the start of deliveries in the coming weeks, as shown by an image of aircraft 2101 flying in national livery.
A photograph taken at BAE Systems' Warton facility in the north of England on 23 March shows the aircraft (serial ZB101 while in the UK) performing the final phases of flights trials in the standard colours and markings of the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), having previously only been seen in factory primer. The second aircraft, 2102 (ZB102), also flew.
The aircraft is the first of an initial batch of 22 Hawk AJTs that the RSAF ordered in 2012 to replace the Hawk Mk 65 and Mk 65A platforms currently in service. An order for a further 22 aircraft was first reported in February after it appeared in BAE Systems' preliminary annual report for 2015.
The Hawk AJTs are being acquired because their 'glass' cockpits more closely resemble those of the Eurofighter Typhoon and Boeing F-15SA Eagles onto which the RSAF's student pilots will transition. Its acquisition is part of a wider revamp of the service's pilot training capabilities, which includes 55 new Pilatus PC-21s and 25 Cirrus SR22 primary training aircraft.
janes

Saudi Arabia orders more Hawk jet trainer aircraft

Saudi Arabia has doubled the number of Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft it has bought from BAE Systems, with an order for a further 22.
The RSAF already operates 24 of the earlier-generation Hawk Mk 65 aircraft that it began receiving in 1987 and 16 Hawk Mk 65A aircraft from 1997. In 2012 it signed a contract for 22 of the latest-generation Hawks AJTs, plus 55 Pilatus PC-21s, and 25 Cirrus SR22 primary training aircraft.
janes

Saudi Arabia to deploy jets in Turkey's İncirlik amid debate over timing

Saudi Arabia is sending planes to the İncirlik Air Base in the southern Turkish province of Adana, where jets from the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition are already based, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has stated, amid reports on Feb. 14 that the jets have already arrived.
“The Saudi kingdom now has a presence at the İncirlik base in Turkey,” Brigadier General Ahmed al-Assiri was quoted as saying by the Al-Arabiya TV station late on Feb. 13.
“Saudi warplanes are present with their crews to intensify aerial operations along with missions launched from bases in Saudi Arabia,” al-Assiri said, without going into further details.
However, Turkish military sources denied the arrival of Saudi warplanes.
Military sources told daily Hürriyet that Saudi warplanes had not arrived at İncirlik, adding that the timeframe of the Saudi jets’ arrival would extend to two or three weeks.
Riyadh and Ankara are both opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
hurriyetdailynews

Kuwait To Purchase 28 Typhoons

Kuwait has agreed to purchase 28 Typhoon combat jets in a deal with the Italian government.
Kuwait has agreed to buy 22 single seat and six twin-seat Typhoons in a government-to-government agreement.
Italian firm Finmeccanica's Alenia Aermacchi division has been leading the Eurofighter effort to sell the Typhoon to the Kuwaitis.
Kuwait could be the first export customer for the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar being developed for the jet by Italy's Selex ES.
Saudi Arabia and Oman are already Typhoon customers in the region. The Saudis have been talking about a further buy of the jets and Bahrain is also another potential customer.
The deal follows reports in May that the Kuwaitis were in discussions with the US to purchase up to 40 Boeing F/A-18 fighters.
The position on those negotiations is unknown.
defensenews

Saudi Arabia takes delivery of final A330 MRTT

Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the sixth and final A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) to Saudi Arabia.
This is the third aircraft in a second batch of three MRTTs ordered by the kingdom in 2009. The previous two aircraft in the batch were delivered from 2014. The first three MRTTs ordered under a 2008 contract were delivered between 2011 and 2013.
Airbus has also provided details of the new version of the MRTT, six of which will be delivered to Singapore as the launch customer. The changes relate to the fact that the baseline commercial airliner airframe from which the MRTT will be converted is a new model of the A330.
The A330 MRTT is operated by the UK's Royal Air Force as the Voyager (11 of 14 aircraft delivered under a long-lease arrangement), United Arab Emirates (three aircraft), and Australia as the KC-30A (five aircraft). India has selected the platform for a six-aircraft tanker requirement, while 12 of the type are to be supplied to the French Air Force from 2018 in a configuration specific to that operator. Qatar announced an order for two aircraft.
The Netherlands, Poland, and Norway are negotiating with Airbus over the pooled acquisition of a common fleet of MRTTs under an initiative facilitated by the European Defence Agency. The MRTT is also a candidate for South Korea's requirement for four tankers and a selection of the winning bid is expected at the end of this month.
Airbus is also talking to existing MRTT customers about potential extra sales of one or two aircraft each. Australia publically expressed an interest in acquiring additional KC-30A tankers in August 2014.
With the order book swelling there is available capacity for additional MRTT conversions should there need to be a ramp-up in production, according to Airbus. Two buildings are dedicated to the conversion work at the company's Getafe facility in Spain, the process taking between 9 and 10 months to complete.
Spanish airline Iberia was sub-contracted for the conversion of two aircraft in the initial batch for Saudi Arabia at its facility at Barajas, and this capacity can be called upon again if necessary.
janes

Iberia readies final Saudi MRTT for delivery later this year

What is believed to be the last of the six Airbus Defence and Space A330-200 MRTT for the Royal Saudi Air Force has been spotted leaving the plant of converters Iberia Mantenimiento near Madrid Barajas airport.
The aircraft was photographed on returning to the Airbus plant at Getafe, just south of Madrid, after reportedly flying south from Barajas to a traditional testing area of the Mediterranean, just east of the Strait of Gibraltar.
janes

Saudi Arabia ends air campaign in Yemen

Saudi Arabia announced on Tuesday it was ending a month-long campaign of air strikes against the Houthi rebels who seized large areas of Yemen and said it would back a political solution to bring peace to its war-ravaged neighbor.
Iran, which has supported the fellow Shi'ite Houthis, welcomed the ceasefire.
"Operation Decisive Storm has achieved its goals ...(including) removing the threat to Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries, especially in terms of heavy weapons," said a statement carried by Saudi state news agency SPA.
reuters

Operation Decisive Storm-Air Power Over Yemen

After Houthi rebels toppled the Yemeni government causing president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi to flee to Aden earlier this month, a Saudi-led coalition of Middle Eastern states launched an air campaign to intervene.
Operation Decisive Storm began on March 26 and has resulted in one of the most extraordinary gatherings of air power seen in recent years, with air arms from the Gulf Cooperation Council nations, except Oman, joined by aircraft from Morocco, Egypt and Sudan, as well as Jordan.
The numbers of aircraft involved are quite extraordinary but perhaps illustrate the concern that Saudi Arabia and its neighbors have for the spread of the Houthi insurgency in the south of the Arabia peninsula.
Saudi Arabia is supporting the operation with 100 aircraft that are likely to include fighters and support aircraft.
Bahrain has deployed between eight and 12 of its F-16s, Qatar has sent 10 of its 12 Mirage 2000s. The United Arab Emirates has deployed 30 aircraft, while Morocco and Jordan have each deployed six F-16s. Jordan’s participation is particularly noteworthy given its heavy involvement in operations against the Islamic State insurgency in Iraq and Syria. Reports state that Kuwait has sent 15 F/A-18 Hornets.
Egypt’s aerial contribution is unclear, but its neighbor Sudan is perhaps the most surprising of the participants, bringing a trio of Sukhoi Su-24 Fencers.
How big a role the Su-24s will play remains to be determined, particularly as the aircraft are not compatible with Western weapons stockpiled at Saudi air bases, forcing the Sudanese to transport bombs and missiles to Saudi Arabia where the aircraft have been forward-based for the campaign.
Pakistan says it is examining a request from Riyadh to join the coalition.
aviationweek

Saudi Arabia Launches Air Campaign in Yemen

Saudi Arabia waged early Thursday “Operation Decisive Storm” against the Houthi coup in Yemen and in support of legitimate President.
A Saudi air campaign was launched overnight which has already resulted in the elimination of several Houthi leaders.
Yemen air space is currently under full control of the Saudi Royal Air Force.
As the operation continues, a coalition of all GCC countries, barring Oman, is taking part in the campaign, including Sudan, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia has deployed 100 fighter jets, 150,000 soldiers and other navy units.
The White House has voiced support for the campaign against the Houthis. Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Washington Adel al-Jubeir announced the kingdom had launched a military operation involving air strikes in Yemen against Houthi fighters who have tightened their grip on the southern city of Aden where Hadi had taken refuge.
alarabiya

Pilatus delivers additional PC-21 trainer to Royal Saudi Air Force

Pilatus has shipped another PC-21 expanded envelope trainer aircraft off its final assembly line for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).
The aircraft represents the 100th turboprop trainer PC-21 to be rolled off the company's final assembly line in Switzerland.
Saudi Arabia ordered 55 PC-21 aircraft in May 2012.
The deal also covered the delivery of 22 Hawk 165 advanced jet trainers.
The PC-21 will also replace RSAF's existing PC-9 trainer fleet, which comprises 47 aircraft that were delivered by BAE as part of a package deal with Hawks to Saudi Arabia in the mid-1980s.
The RSAF took delivery of the initial six aircraft in June 2014. The remaining aircraft are currently in production, while the instructors are preparing for their first student courses.
The PC-21 is currently operated by the air forces of Singapore, Switzerland and the UAE, and has also been ordered by Qatar.
airforce-technology

Saudi Arabia bought MBDA's Meteor air-to-air missiles for its Typhoon fighter aircraft

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and MBDA have signed the first export contract of the Meteor active radar guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).
The Meteor missiles will be fitted on the 24 Eurofighter Typhoon already delivered to the Royal Saudi Air Force.
airrecognition

Royal Saudi Air Force A330 MRTT Heading To Spain Today

flightradar24

RAF To Be Equipped With Bunker Busting Version of Paveway IV

British combat jets are on course to be armed with a new bunker busting version of the Paveway IV precision guided bomb.
Raytheon UK, the weapon’s maker, is conducting preparatory work using an existing contract with the MoD ahead of a possible deal next year to equip Royal Air Force and Fleet Air Arm jets with a compact warhead.
The contractors carried out ground trials at the UK’s Pendine test range in 2012.
A new warhead and fuze for the Paveway IV would replace earlier generation weapons like the Paveway III bunker buster used by the Royal Air Force in Libya in 2011.
The new generation Paveway IV has a 500-pound warhead compared with 2,000-pounds for the Paveway III.
Paveway IV is carried by RAF Tornado jets and was recently cleared for action onboard the Typhoon.
Typhoon contractor BAE Systems announced earlier this month that two Paveway IVs had been released from the combat jet simultaneously for the first time during a recent flight test.
Aside from the Tornado and Typhoon, the Paveway IV will also be fitted to the F-35B when it enters service with the RAF and the Royal Navy later in the decade.
The weapon has also been acquired by Typhoon and Tornado operator Saudi Arabia.
Executives are now targeting Oman as a second Paveway IV export customer following their purchase of Typhoon jets.
defensenews