The UAE defense minister states that French Fighter Jets are not an alternative to U.S. aircraft.
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates defense Ministry said that it would purchase French Rafale fighter planes to complement its deal to buy American F-35 warplanes.
This plan has slowed down due to Washington’s concern about Abu Dhabi’s relationship with China.
Meanwhile, UAE ordered 80 Rafales by Dassault Aviation and 12 Caracal military helicopters by Airbus Helicopters. It is part of an arms deal worth 17 billion euros ($19.2billion).
Major General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi is the commander of the UAE Air Force, Air Defence, and Air Force.
He stated late Saturday on WAM that the Rafale jets will replace the UAE’s Mirage 2000 fleet built in France.
Alawi stated that this deal was not an alternative to the F-35 deal.
It is a complementary deal as the UAE develops its air force capabilities. He also said that the UAE had been seeking to replace its Mirage fleet for some time.
Due to concerns about Washington’s relationship between Abu Dhabi and China, the UAE could not sell 50 F-35 warplanes manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
A U.S. official stated last month that the United States plans to proceed with the sale but must have a clear understanding of Emirati obligations.
After the UAE established diplomatic ties with Israel last year, the United States, under the then-President Donald Trump, agreed that they would sell the jets.
The administration of President Joe Biden has stated that it will proceed with the sale this year.
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