The Saudi Arabian air force could buy 55 Pilatus PC-21s to serve as a lead-in pilot trainers as part of a broader deal in negotiation with BAE Systems that includes resuming production of Hawk T128/T2 advanced jet trainers, say sources familiar with the transaction. The Saudi order for PC-21s and Hawks is expected to be confirmed in less than two months, with BAE serving as prime contractor for both deals, sources say. BAE declines to comment about any potential new Saudi aircraft deals. Such a deal would preserve both airframers' tight grip on pilot training requirements for the Saudi air force at a critical moment for both aircraft programmes.
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