France hopeful of sale of 60 Rafale jets to UAE

MILITARY STRENGTH: UAE military had told France of its requirements for the fighter. (Getty Images)

France said it was pleased with the progress of what could be the first sale of Dassault Aviation's Rafale fighter jets to a foreign buyer after the UAE detailed its requirements.

"The President, who is closely following the talks that are under way with the United Arab Emirates for the purchase of 60 Rafale planes, is pleased that the dossier is making progress," Nicolas Sarkozy's office said in a statement on Friday.

UAE state news agency WAM said on Friday the UAE military had told France of its requirements for the fighter.

French newspaper Le Parisien reported in May that France was finalising the sale of 60 Rafale planes in a deal worth 6-8 billion euros ($8-11bn).

Dassault has declined to confirm the figures and said an agreement may be reached this year.

A spokesman said on Friday the company was pleased "that the talks between our company and the Emirates authorities are progressing. We are attentive to the demands of the client".

Dassault Aviation shares were up 1.1 percent at 395 euros by 03.00pm, UAE time. (Reuters)

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READERS' COMMENTS

Defence
Posted by OS, Jeddah, KSA on Sunday 21 June 2009 at 09:10 UAE time


What a brilliant way for the developed western nations to get out of recession. Whip up the passions regarding security threats throught out the developing world, get them to feel more secure and get your own economy to kick start again.

Just wondering who were the real winners in the Iran / Iraq war that lasted for many years ?

Sale of French jets to UAE
Posted by Abd Allah, Dubai, UAE on Saturday 20 June 2009 at 08:36 UAE time


Why buy jets when the money could be put to a much better use? Education system is falling down. All reports are negative. Elementary school students are almost illeterate in their own L1. With that money, a much better education system could be put in place and sound long-term education projects involving local research, improved curricula, better teacher training could give their fruits

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