BAE Systems has secured a contract worth £1.6 billion to provide Hawk and Pilatus aircraft to Saudi Arabia.

The move will secure 200 jobs and will see the defence giant supply 55 Pilatus turboprop and 22 Hawk jet trainer aircraft as well as technical support to the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).

BAE's group managing director, Guy Griffiths, said: "We have a long history in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and, working with Pilatus, we will provide the RSAF with the best training platforms to meet their requirements.”