An German Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet during a flying display on Friday 28 July 2000
Inside Story

Saudi arms deal controversy

British defence giant, BAE, is to launch an investigation into claims of bribery.

undefined

The deal was said to be the biggest in
history [EPA]

British defence giant BAE systems says it is to launch an independent investigation into allegations it paid up to a billion British pounds in bribes to a Saudi Arabian prince.

The claims relate to BAE winning the biggest arms order in history from the Saudis during the 1980s.

Both BAE and Saudi’s Prince Bandar bin Sultan deny the allegations.

Do the claims have any grounds?

Did any payments amount to bribery, or were they legitimate business practice?

And what does it mean for BAE, one of the world’s biggest defence firms?

Watch this episode of Inside Story here:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Watch Inside Story at 17.30GMT on Al Jazeera English

This episode of Inside Story airs on Monday 11 June 2007


To contact us click on ‘Send your feedback’ at the top of the page

Watch Al Jazeera English programmes on YouTube