UK defence sales to Saudi Arabia

This file concerns UK defence sales to Saudi Arabia. It contains correspondence on:

• A request from Shorrock Security Company Limited, who are providing security systems and equipment to the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF), for an extension to the period of overseas projects funds assistance
• Attempts by Switzerland and France to sell aircraft to the RSAF
• The question of the acceptance by International Military Services Limited (IMS) of Saudi clauses concerning the Arab boycott of Israel
• The visit of the Defence Secretary Michael Heseltine to Saudi Arabia, including accounts of his meetings with Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Ali Al Tuwaijri
• Saudi concerns over British performance on the contracts for the Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Network (SANGCOM) and the Saudi Arabian National Guard Medical Services Project (SANGMED)
• The refusal of an export licence application for the export of 3000 leg shackles to Saudi Arabia
• Presentations by a Ministry of Defence (MoD) team in Riyadh on aircraft, submarines, and submersibles
• The possibility that Saudi Arabia is planning to pass on to Iraq some of the equipment it is planning to buy from IMS
• Discussions regarding how the MoD could assist British aircraft manufacturers in their dealings with the Saudi Ministry of Interior's Security Aviation Wing
• An agreement to sell Tornado and Hawk aircraft to Saudi Arabia
• The export of a Hadland Photonics Limited camera system to France, for eventual export to Saudi Arabia, including product literature, and copies of applications for export licences
• The efforts of the General Electric Corporation to obtain the contract for the new Saudi Command, Control, and Communications system
• The question of whether advice on chemical warfare defence should be provided to Saudi Arabia
• The idea that HMG should send a message of support to the Saudi government, acknowledging the importance of their role in Middle East affairs
• A proposal by the Atlantic Group to arrange the sale of Challenger aircraft through Prince Nasir Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud
• The preparation by British Aerospace of a maritime aircraft proposal to put to the RSAF
• The activities of Fokker in seeking to obtain business in Saudi Arabia
• A request from the Dowty Group for a letter from Heseltine to Prince Sultan supporting the Group's joint venture company, Dowty Arabasco, in its efforts to participate in the Peace Shield programme
• The possible effect that HMG's attitude to the Arab-Israeli dispute may have on Saudi considerations regarding military equipment purchases.