The United Arab Emirates announced on Friday the order of 80 French Rafale fighters.
This is the largest Rafale order to date, in a billion-dollar deal that deepens economic and political relations with France.
Macron tour of the Gulf
French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his Gulf tour today with a visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. His visit comes at a time when Gulf countries have expressed uncertainty about US targeting in the region.
The French president has “forged” a very good relationship with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the two countries also having close business relations. It should be noted that Paris has a permanent military base in the Emirates.
“Apart from the presence of the three French military bases in the Emirates, this mutual trust translates into the acquisition of 12 Rafale fighters, 12 Caracal helicopters and accompanying equipment,” the French Presidency said in a statement following the signing of the agreement at Dubai Expo 2020. .
Dassault’s share price rose 6% after the announcement.
Fourth deal to buy Rafale this year
According to Reuters, the $ 15 billion deal is the largest acquisition of French Rafale fighters, outside the French army, and comes after the agreements signed by Greece, Egypt and Croatia this year.
Negotiations have been going on for more than a decade, with Abu Dhabi publicly rejecting France’s bid for Rafale in 2011, calling it “non-competitive and inapplicable”. It should be noted that Abu Dhabi already has Mirage fighter jets.
According to sources in the country’s defense industry, the Rafale will replace the UAE Mirage 2000 fleet, while it does not seem likely to replace the US F-35. The UAE continues to boost its security with two major suppliers, France and the United States.
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