France: record order, 16 billion euros for the Rafale in Abu Dhabi
The value of the “historic” maxi-order for the supply of French fighters and weapons to the United Arab Emirates amounts to 16 billion euros. This was announced by the French Ministry of Defense, which speaks of a “historic” contract. The Rafale will be delivered between 2027 and 2031 and are intended to replace the 60 Mirage 20009 acquired in 1998 from Abu Dhabi. In addition to the 80 Rafale aircraft, the acquisition also involves 12 Caracal military transport helicopters and “associated elements” for a total of 17 billion euros. Macron thus proceeds to cash after the blow he suffered with Aukus and the failure to sell submarines to Australia. But in France the controversy over human rights explodes.
France: Macron, for the Emirates we are a “solid partner”
“The Emirates have seen” that France is “a solid and reliable partner”, that “it has kept its commitments”. This was underlined by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, in light of the maxi-order worth 16 billion euros signed with the Emirates for the supply of 80 Rafale fighters together with French weapons. “This French commitment in the region, this active cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the clear positions we have taken mean that we have increased our proximity to the United Arab Emirates. And at a time when more questions have undoubtedly arisen about other historical partners, I think this strengthens the position of France “, explained the head of the Elysée from Dubai. A not too veiled reference to the clash with Australia which in September revoked a contract with Paris for the multi-billion dollar supply of twelve submarines, in light of the Aukus defense pact with the US and the United Kingdom in an anti-Chinese key .
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