Saudi Arabian air defence scheme

This file is part C of a series of files relating to the Saudi Arabian Air Defence Scheme (SAADS), where the Saudi Arabian Government signed a letter of intent, agreeing to buy aircrafts, training, maintenance and military equipment from three British companies overseen by HMG. These companies, known collectively as the Saudi Arabian Defence Consortium (SADC), are: British Aircraft Corporation Limited (BAC), Associated Electrical Industries (AEI) and Airwork Services Limited. It contains a letter from the British Minister of Aviation Supply F V Corfield to Prince Turki Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud responding to a list of complaints created by the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) regarding the SADC. This file also contains a copy of this list, including reference to:

• A setback to the RAF squadron firing programme due to issues with Aden guns on Lightning aircrafts
• Sulbuch radar site
• BAC 167 windscreens
• Flying and operational training
• Navigational aid and communications
• The qualifications of technical personnel
• Modifications to Lightning aircrafts
• Dhahran access road
• Supply and repairs
• Buildings and related works
• Maintenance and supply
• The servicing of aircraft engines by Rolls-Royce

This file also contains correspondence and memoranda relating to:

• Saudi Arabia's interest in Plessey PTR 377 transceivers
• Meetings held by the Executive Committee on 15 April and 26 May 1971 concerning the SADC
• The resignation of Airwork training pilots due to a serious lack of personnel management, and how this effects HMG's trade prospects in the Middle East
• The release of a Lightning weapons system manual to the Saudis
• The premature conclusion of several defence agreements between Saudi Arabia and the SADC
• The Commander-in-Chief at Riyadh's order for the deportation of anyone involved in the 'cannibalisation' of aircraft
• The Lightning squadron in Dharhan getting support from firefighting vehicles
• Lockheed Corporation's wish to takeover Airwork's contract with the RSAF
• The Commander-in-Chief of the RSAF General Hashim Saeed Hashim's visit to Paris, and proposed visit to London