David Cameron promotes fighter jets in tour to Middle East On a three-day visit to the Middle East, the Prime Minister will promote the new Eurofighter Typhoons, which are partly made in Britain, to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Any new contracts would be a significant boost for BAE Systems, the UK's flagship defence manufacturer, which last month saw merger talks with European EADS collapse after the German government blocked the tie-up. Oman is also in talks with BAE for 12 of the Typhoon jets, with a deal due to be signed off by the end of the year. The Saudis are also looking to place what Downing Street sources describe as a "substantial" order for more jets on top of the 72 that they have already acquired. Mr Cameron will be using all his persuasive skills to try to convince the UAE to replace its current fleet of French Mirage jets with Typhoons. Britain is also keen to deepen ties with Gulf states amid growing concern about Iran's alleged attempts to develop its own nuclear weapons. Downing Street sources said that the push for Typhoon sales was part of a "concerted effort to establish a long-term strategic defence partnership" with the UAE. Mr Cameron will hold talks with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the UAE's prime minister about how best to deepen the two countries' military ties. The UK is keen to demonstrate that it is eager to develop links outside traditional Nato countries. The Gulf states will also want to pin down the UK about its commitment to the region, ahead of the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan. Last week, the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, said that European countries had to be prepared to "take a bigger role in relation to north Africa and the Middle East." The PM is also to hold a question and answer session with university students later today, when he could be pressed further on UK concerns about Iran. There were reports last week that a base near Dubai could be used as a permanent station for the Typhoon jets.