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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