Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 12 September 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 September 2016 (named day). It was answered by Mike Penning (Conservative) on Thursday, 15 September 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Armed Forces: Saudi Arabia

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many military personnel are based in Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: There are around 100 military personnel based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including at the Defence section within the British Embassy Riyadh; providing mentoring and advice to the Saudi Arabian National Guard, as part of the British Military Mission to the Saudi Arabian National Guard; personnel working on the Saudi Arabia National Guard Communications Project to acquire and support, modern communications capabilities for the Saudi Arabian National Guard and personnel working on the Ministry of Defence Saudi Armed Forces Projects, supporting the United Kingdom's commitment to the defence of Saudi Arabia through the supply of modern military aircraft, naval vessels, weapons and associated support services to the Saudi Armed Forces. We also have a small number of liaison personnel who work at the Saudi MOD and Operational Centres. We do not discuss specific numbers for reasons of safeguarding operational security.

Secondary information