Rolls-Royce will supply £1 billion worth of EJ200 engine sales and support as part of a 72 Typhoon aircraft deal. (Photos from Rolls-Royce – copyright Rolls-Royce Plc 2006).

Rolls-Royce, a leading global provider of power systems and services, looks set to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s contract with the British Government for 72 Typhoon aircraft – of which Rolls-Royce will supply £1 billion worth of EJ200 engine sales and support.

The EJ200 engine, owned by European consortium EUROJET, powers the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, which began operation with the air forces of Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK in 2003. The 72 aircraft on order will be operated by the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Rolls-Royce has a 36% share of the engine’s production work, which supports around 4,000 jobs throughout the company, and its responsibilities include the engine’s combustion system and high pressure turbine intermediate casing.

Martin Fausset, Rolls-Royce Managing Director – Defence Aerospace, said: “As the prime contractor for the EJ200 engine on Salam for the EUROJET consortium, this contract will be of significant benefit for Rolls-Royce and our partners – MTU Aero Engines, ITP and Avio.

“It continues our long-standing relationship with the Royal Saudi Air Force and will contribute to the growth of our defence business.”

The company has already this month (December) announced a US$280 million engine order from Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific, and has won contracts to supply Rome and Milan airports through its power plants.