UAE to receive first Rafale jets in 2027 under $19 billion deal with France

France will begin delivering Rafale fighter jets to the UAE armed forces in 2027, according to French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, who made the announcement on January 29.

"In Istre, I inspected with my colleague Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel al-Mazrouei the first Rafale produced for the UAE Armed Forces," Lecornu wrote on social media platform X, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media sources.

"It will serve for the first tests before the delivery of 80 Rafale fighter jets ordered by our partners begins in 2027," he emphasized.

The agreement for the purchase of 80 Rafale fighter jets and 12 helicopters was signed in December 2021 by French President Emmanuel Macron and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The cost of the deal was around 17 billion euros (approximately $19.2 billion at the time of signing), and it includes not only the aircraft but also extensive support packages. These packages provide logistical support, pilot and maintenance crew training, spare parts, and weapons systems integration.

The UAE plans to gradually integrate these advanced Rafale fighters into their existing fleet, which already includes Western-made aircraft like the F-16 and Mirage 2000. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy by the UAE to modernize its military capabilities and maintain a strong regional air force.

This deal also represents a significant development in the geopolitical landscape, reinforcing military and diplomatic ties between France and the UAE. In addition to the Rafale jets, France has supplied the UAE with other military equipment, including Mirage 2000 jets, Leclerc main battle tanks, and various naval vessels, such as Gowind-class corvettes.

By Tamilla Hasanova