A total of 20 top British defense and security companies will be represented in the mission, organized by the UK Trade & Investment, a British government apex body that supports and promotes business links globally.
"The companies will be supported by UK Trade & Investment at the British Embassy, which will host a reception on Tuesday night to allow local businesses to meet the UK companies," said a British Embassy spokesman on Sunday.
The UK companies are very keen to identify business opportunities and develop long-term partnerships with their Saudi counterparts, which will go a long way in further boosting business ties in this sector, he added.
The UK delegation's visit is significant especially as the Kingdom has emerged as the top destination for UK defense exports, especially with Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon jets leading sales from 2000 to 2009. The mission will feature a wide range of products and services during their visit to the Saudi capital on Tuesday.
Some of the important products and services include protection of critical national infrastructure, solar-powered CCTV systems, security and risk management systems, surveillance systems, security training, IP video/CCTV solutions, protection against ballistic and fragmentation attacks, and marine navigation systems.
"This visit is an excellent chance for UK and Saudi companies to build relationships and forge new business links," said a statement from the mission.
Britain’s defense exports surpassed £7 billion in 2009, taking a nearly 20 percent share of the global market, and providing ammunition for the industry at a time of government cutbacks.
The UK is the world’s second largest defense exporter after the US. Saudi Arabia and India were the biggest buyers of military equipment globally, according to figures released by UK Trade & Investment’s Defense and Security Organization recently.
