UAE receives first Rafale fighter jets under Dh63bn deal with France

The UAE on Thursday received its first batch of Dassault Rafale fighter jets under a "historic" Dh63.56 billion (€16.6 billion) defence deal with France.

The Ministry of Defence said the delivery of the planes was in support of a wider effort to modernise the country's defence capabilities, including upgrading its air force fleet.

Eighty state-of-the-art fighter jets will be produced as part of the deal with France's Dassault Aviation.

An agreement to purchase the planes was made in December 2021, following talks between President Sheikh Mohamed, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and French President Emmanuel Macron at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The UAE and France signed several strategic deals during Mr Macron's visit. The Ministry of Defence said at the time it was to replace its Mirage fleet with the Rafale fighters. The jets are considered one of the world's most advanced multirole combat aircraft, state news agency Wam said.

The acquisition of the planes aims to ensure the Emirates is ready to address evolving regional and global security challenges.

A launch ceremony for the first Rafale jet was held in Paris in the presence of Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sebastien Lecornu, French Defence Minister, a number of senior officials and officers from the Ministry of Defence.

Mr Al Mazrouei said that, under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed, the UAE's Armed Forces had undergone a significant transformation, making it among the most capable and prepared military in the region and beyond.

"Our strategy focuses on acquiring the most advanced weaponry and systems that align with the evolving nature of modern warfare and technological advancements, enhancing the overall combat efficiency of our national defence system," he said.

Brig Gen Pilot Mohamed Ali Al Hameli, of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, said the Rafale had proven its effectiveness in numerous military operations around the world.

He said the UAE-France partnership also included a comprehensive training programme to qualify pilots and technicians and prepare them for military operations.