UAE Buys 80 French-Made Rafale Fighter Jets As President Macron Begins Gulf Tour
The largest order ever for warplane was made on Friday by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 80 Rafale fighter jets were reportedly ordered. The multi-billion dollar arms contract deepens economic and political ties with France.
French President Emmanuel Macron began a two-day trip to the Gulf on Friday, including plans to visit Qatar and Saudi Arabia. His visit comes at a time when Gulf Arab states have voiced uncertainty about the United States’ focus in the region, even as they seek more weapons from their key security allies.
The French leader has over the years maintained good relationship with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (MBZ) with investments flowing between both countries. Paris has a permanent military base in the Emirati capital.
“In addition to the presence of three French military bases on UAE territory, this mutual trust translates into the acquisition of 80 Rafale planes, 12 Caracal helicopters, and associated elements,” the French presidency said in a statement after a signing ceremony between MBZ and Macron on the sidelines of the Dubai Expo 2020.
Dassault shares rose 6% on the announcement.
The deal, which could be worth at least $15 billion, is the biggest bulk purchase of the Dassault-made Rafale, other than by the French army, and comes after deals in Greece, Egypt and Croatia this year.
The on-off negotiations for the Rafale fighter jets have been going on for more than a decade with Abu Dhabi publicly rebuffing France’s offer to supply 60 Rafale jets in 2011 as “uncompetitive and unworkable.” Abu Dhabi already has Mirage warplanes.
Defense sources say the Rafale fighter jets will replace the Mirage 2000 fleet, but are unlikely to replace the F-35 fighter jets, as the UAE continues to protect its security with its two main suppliers, France and the United States.
The deal will nevertheless be seen as a signal of impatience, as the US Congress is hesitant to approve the F-35 deal amid concerns about the UAE’s relationship with China, including the prevalence of Huawei’s 5G technology.
