The final upgrade configuration for the Royal Saudi Air Force's Panavia Tornado interdictor strike (IDS) fleet remains the subject of ongoing negotiations, says BAE Systems.
The company has been playing down speculation about a possible contract award before the end of 2003. It says: "There is no agreement, but there are discussions. We would be very happy if there was an agreement."
BAE Systems has been working with the air force on capability options for the IDS upgrade for more than three years, with a deal in the offering for more than 18 months. The service has been studying the UK Royal Air Force's Tornado GR4 upgrade programme as part of its activities.
The upgrade is understood to include planning for replacement or upgrade of the Tornado mission computers and an improved communications suite.
Consideration is also being given to remanufacturing the aircraft's Lockheed Martin Lantirn targeting pod to Lantirn ER configuration and a possible acquisition of MBDA Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles.
The upgrade programme will exclude Tornado air-defence variants, with Saudi Arabia interested in a possible future requirement to replace its air combat aircraft.
Source: Flight International
