EADS to build $3.5 billion Saudi fence

In a unique project of its kind, the European Aerospace Defense Systems (EADS) together with Saudi construction company Al Rashid has been awarded one of the largest security projects in the Middle East, construction of a security fence around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) at a cost of $3.5 billion.

The 9,000km border fence through mountains, deserts and sea borders will provide visibility and operational awareness to Saudi Border Guard by the use of cutting-edge technology which includes installation of sophisticated radar systems along the extensive border.

Al Rashid will partner with EADS Defense & Security for the construction works.

Saudi Arabia has border with Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, Oman, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, and the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

EADS Defense and Security chief executive officer Stefan Zoller said: "We are very pleased to have earned the trust and the confidence of the KSA government. We are committed to dedicate all our capacities and capabilities to deliver this programme on time and in the quality our customer expects. That includes also long-term investments in the country."

Many other defense and security majors were in the race to win the $3.5 billion contract including France's Thales, Britain's BAE Systems and US defense contractor Raytheon. (See: EADS consortium likely to bag $2.6 billion Saudi Arabian border fencing contract)