LONDON, July 17 (UPI) -- Saudi Arabia's Advanced Electronic Company has become the first approved avionics repair agent for Typhoon jet fighters outside of Europe.
BAE Systems, part of the international consortium that builds the multi-role combat plane, said BAE Systems Saudi Arabia and AEC will now work together with other original equipment manufacturers to transfer the repair capability for 35 avionic boxes for the aircraft to Saudi Arabia and thus support the country's Typhoon fleet.
"Industrialization is a cornerstone of BAE Systems' strategy in (the country) ... success in this area very important to our customers, our partners, the Saudi community and the company," said Andy Carr, managing director and chief executive of BAE Systems Saudi Arabia.
"AEC has shown over a long period of time that is a very capable organization and takes a great deal of pride in what they do. It has previously worked on elements of the Tornado program, where it was the best performing supplier on the whole supply chain."
The Tornado is another fighter produced by the Eurofighter consortium.
BAE Systems called the Saudi company's new status a major step forward for the country's defense industry.
