Dassault captures mega Rafale order from UAE
The UAE is the first export customer to buy the Rafale F4. (Photo: Dassault)
Dassault and the UAE have signed off on a huge order for new fighter jets, helicopters and weapons.
Dassault and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to an extraordinary order for 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets, in a contract labelled by the manufacturer as ‘the largest ever obtained by the French combat aeronautics industry’.
Various reports estimate the contract to be worth €16 billion ($18.1 billion), including €2 billion set aside for MICA NG air-to-air missiles and Black Shaheen long-range cruise missiles – the latter a modified Emirati variant of the French SCALP.
The deal was officially struck in Dubai on 3 December in a ceremony between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane]()
Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
-
![National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme]()
National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
![France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage]()
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
![US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk]()
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
