The deal also includes simulators, ground and training equipment and spare parts, SPA said, quoting a defence ministry official.

The official said the new jets would help qualify Saudi pilots "to use fourth generation jet fighters in full professionalism and efficiency."

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz in April visited Britain, a major supplier of weapons to the oil-rich kingdom.

Saudi Arabia in 2006 ordered 72 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters in a deal valued at $32.9 billion. The multi-role aircraft is built by a consortium of European firms in which Britain's BAE Systems has a 33-percent share.

The BBC said the deal is for Hawk jets from BAE Systems and will be formally announced later in the day. AFP