Bahrain is close to purchasing Typhoon fighter jets as part of the GCC defence, a top UK government official said.

UK Defence Secretary Philip Hammond announced yesterday that his government had held positive talks with His Majesty King Hamad, at this year's Dubai Airshow, over the possible sale of the European fastjet.

He told weekly newspaper Defense News that the discussions with His Majesty were "very fruitful", and hoped Bahrain would make "a decision to join the Typhoon family soon".

Hammond maintained that the deal had nothing to do with Bahrain's human rights record.

"It's nothing to do with the internal situation," he was quoted as saying.

"Jets are about external defence of the country and allowing Bahrain to contribute to the defence of the GCC member states."

Saudi Arabia and Oman have already purchased Typhoon fighters, as dealers are pitching for business in the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait. – TradeArabia News Service