Al-Yamamah arms deal

Al-Yamamah arms deal
Public domain · source
Name	Al-Yamamah arms deal
Parties	United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia
Date	1985
Value	£43 billion

Al-Yamamah arms deal was a major arms sale between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia, involving the sale of various BAE Systems aircraft, including the Panavia Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon, to the Royal Saudi Air Force. The deal was negotiated by Margaret Thatcher, the then-Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, with the involvement of Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United States. The deal was facilitated by British Aerospace, now known as BAE Systems, and was supported by The Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Introduction

The Al-Yamamah arms deal was a significant event in the history of international relations and arms trade, involving major players such as United States, France, and Germany. The deal was influenced by various factors, including the Cold War, the Iran-Iraq War, and the Gulf War. Key figures such as Ronald Reagan, François Mitterrand, and Helmut Kohl played important roles in shaping the deal. The deal also involved other notable individuals, including Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and Donald Rumsfeld, who were part of the United States Department of Defense and the United States Department of State.

Background

The Al-Yamamah arms deal was preceded by several events, including the Yom Kippur War and the 1973 oil embargo, which highlighted the importance of Middle East oil and the need for Western countries to secure their interests in the region. The deal was also influenced by the Soviet-Afghan War and the Iranian Revolution, which led to a significant increase in military spending by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union also played important roles in shaping the deal, with key figures such as Manfred Wörner and Jacques Delors contributing to the negotiations. Other notable organizations, including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, were also involved in the deal.

The Deal

The Al-Yamamah arms deal was signed in 1985 and involved the sale of various aircraft, including the Panavia Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon, to the Royal Saudi Air Force. The deal was worth £43 billion and was the largest arms deal in British history at the time. The deal was negotiated by British Aerospace, now known as BAE Systems, and was supported by The Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Key figures such as Michael Heseltine, Geoffrey Howe, and Nigel Lawson played important roles in the negotiations, which also involved other notable individuals, including Klaus Kinkel and Lionel Jospin. The deal was also influenced by various events, including the G7 summit and the European Council.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Al-Yamamah arms deal was surrounded by controversy and criticism, with many questioning the ethics of the deal and the involvement of corruption and bribery. The deal was investigated by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the United States Department of Justice, with key figures such as Robert Wardle and Michael Chertoff playing important roles in the investigations. The deal was also criticized by various organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Campaign Against Arms Trade. Notable individuals, including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, and David Cameron, were also involved in the controversy, with some calling for greater transparency and accountability in the deal. Other organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, also expressed concerns about the deal.

Investigations and Outcomes

The investigations into the Al-Yamamah arms deal led to several outcomes, including the closure of the SFO investigation in 2006 and the settlement of a United States Department of Justice investigation in 2010. The investigations involved key figures such as Lord Goldsmith and Andy Coulson, and were influenced by various events, including the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War. The outcomes of the investigations were also influenced by the involvement of other notable individuals, including Dominic Grieve and Theresa May. The investigations also involved other organizations, including the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Al-Yamamah arms deal has had a lasting impact on international relations and the arms trade, with many regarding it as a symbol of the corrupt and secretive nature of the defence industry. The deal has also been the subject of several books and documentaries, including works by Andrew Feinstein and Nicholas Gilby. The deal's legacy continues to be felt, with ongoing debates about the ethics of the arms trade and the need for greater transparency and accountability. Key figures such as Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson have also been involved in the debate, with some calling for a complete overhaul of the defence industry. Other notable individuals, including Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron, have also expressed concerns about the deal and its legacy. The deal has also been the subject of discussion in various organizations, including the United Nations General Assembly and the European Parliament.

Category:Arms deals