SAUDI ARABIA EXPECTED TO BUY 48 TYPHOON JETS FROM UK

Saudi Arabia expected to buy 48 Typhoon jets from UK.

Saudi Arabia is expected to confirm it will buy 48 Typhoon fighter jets from the UK, according to Sky sources.

The jets are made by British firm BAE Systems, as part of a multi-billion pound deal which has been under discussion for many years.

Shares in BAE Systems were up 2% on the news.

It comes on the final day of a three-day official visit by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which included talks with Prime Minister Theresa May, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and an audience with the Queen.

Sky News Defence Correspondent Alistair Bunkall said the deal is expected to be announced by Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and the Crown Prince later this afternoon.

Before his visit, the 32-year-old Saudi royal emphasised the importance of the relationship between the UK and Saudi Arabia regarding security.

He said both countries would be "much safer if you have a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia".

Mrs May defended the UK's ties with Saudi Arabia earlier this week, saying all arms sales are strictly regulated.

But she has also raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen with Prince Mohammed during his visit to the UK.