Nicosia, Sept.26: Saudi Arabia has agreed to buy 72 Euro-fighter Typhoon combat jets from Britain worth almost nine billion dollars.

The new combat aircraft will replace the Tornado ADV aircraft and similar aircraft used by the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Under the terms of the deal known as “Project Salaam”, Britain will provide a big number of logistical and training packages. It also envisages that the crews and technicians of the Royal Saudi Air Force will train together with RAF personnel.

A statement issued by the British Ministry of Defence said: “Negotiations on the details of the sale of the 72 aircraft, the initial provisioning package, aircrew and technician training in the UK, spares reprovisioning, ground support equipment, technical support and contractor manpower support have continued and this agreement on aircraft acquisition marks the start of Project Salaam.” (With inputs from ANI)