It's not official just yet, but according to the Reuters news agency, British defence giants BAE Systems has signed a £1.9bn deal to supply trainer jets to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabian news agency SPA said the deal was for 30 jets, and it would help its pilots "to use fourth generation jet fighters in full professionalism and efficiency." The package also includes simulators, ground and training equipment and spares.

BAE has been negotiating with the country over its Hawk jets for some time. But the firm had previously announced it was going to stop making them at its Brough factory in East Yorkshire next year, with 845 jobs being axed as a result. So if this news is spot on – then it means just over 200 jobs could be saved on the parts building side of the business.

It's thought BAE will confirm the news later today.