DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates has signed an $18 billion mega-contract for 80 Rafale fighter planes during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to the Gulf state.
Reports in French media quoting defense ministry officials said the order represents the biggest bulk purchase of the aircraft since it entered service in 2004. In the run-up to the deal, it had been expected that the order would run to between 30 and 60 of the planes.
The largest-ever weapons contract for export came as Macron is in the state on the first stop of a two-day visit to the Persian Gulf.
A statement issued by the French presidency cited “This contract cements a strategic partnership that is stronger than ever and directly contributes to regional stability.”
In addition to the fighter jets, the gulf state had also agreed to buy 12 Caracal military transport helicopters from Airbus. The gulf state followed the footsteps of Qatar, which purchased 36 of the jets, and Egypt, which has ordered more than 50.
Dassault Aviation, the French aircraft manufacturer, said the UAE is buying the upgraded F4 version of its multi-role jet and it will make the UAE air force the first Rafale F4 user outside France.
Contrat historique pour l’acquisition de 80 #Rafale au standard F4 par les Émirats Arabes Unis https://t.co/URckkM8oEu
Historical contract for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 by the United Arab Emirates https://t.co/ramNI9772n pic.twitter.com/5w3Pcd7988— Dassault Aviation (@Dassault_OnAir) December 3, 2021
Reports also mentioned that the deal offers a shot in the arm for France’s defense industry after the collapse of a $66 billion contract for Australia to buy 12 French submarines.
Experts said the inclusion of fighter jets as an ample step up for the UAE’s military capabilities in the oil- and gas-rich region, the fighter jets will significantly upgrade country’s airpower capabilities in terms of strike, air-to-air warfare, and reconnaissance.
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Paris has deep ties to the UAE, a federation of seven sheikdoms on the Arabian Peninsula, particularly since the September 11, 2001, attacks.
