RIYADH, July 22: Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdel Aziz on Saturday signed a military deal with France for the purchase of helicopters and other weapons worth $3.8 billion.

The prince, who is also the defence minister, signed the agreement during his visit to Paris, where he also held meetings with French President Jacques Chirac.

Although Saudi Arabia earlier had also placed an order with British Aerospace for a number of fighter aircraft worth billions of dollars, France was still trying to promote the sales of Rafale aircraft and its state-of-the-art tank, Leclerc.

Opinion

Editorial

GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...
Centre vs provinces
Updated 10 Jun, 2026

Centre vs provinces

The reason the centre finds itself in this position is rooted in its failure to expand the tax net and boost revenues.
Party in crisis
10 Jun, 2026

Party in crisis

THE young KP chief minister must be starting to realise just how thorny a seat he occupies. There has been a flurry...
Varsity woes
10 Jun, 2026

Varsity woes

FINANCIAL crises affecting public sector universities across Pakistan are now having an impact on academic...