BAE Systems defends Eurofighter Typhoon in wake of failed UAE deal

David Cameron's efforts to sell a multi-billion-pound contract for the United Arab Emirates to buy British- built fighter jets failed as the Gulf state pulled out of talks. (GETTY IMAGES)

BAE Systems boss Ian King today defended the Eurofighter Typhoon after talks with the United Arab Emirates over a £6 billion order collapsed last month.

“The aircraft met the UAE’s very exacting capability requirements,” said King. “Relationships between all parties are good, there are no criticisms of the company or our people... It’s not going to disadvantage us.”

Negotiations over a contract for 60 of the fighter jets, which BAE jointly developed, collapsed last month, despite David Cameron’s intervention.

However, King argued that the embarrassment would not hurt the Typhoon’s future as there is “no other nation” as demanding as the UAE and “no other aircraft will go beyond what we could offer”.

He confirmed though that there was no chance the deal could be resurrected.

Speaking at a briefing on the defence giant’s corporate strategy, King said that there were no contingency plans in place should Scotland vote for independence later this year.

BAE builds complex warships north of the border.