President Macron Visits Gulf Region, UAE Potentially Purchases 60 Rafale Fighter Jets

JAKARTA - France is set to sign several major deals with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, with two sources saying Paris could finally seal the sale of its multibillion-dollar Rafale fighter jet, as the two countries have the potential to deepen economic and political ties.

French President Emmanuel Macron began a two-day trip to the Gulf on Friday, including plans to visit Qatar and Saudi Arabia. His visit comes at a time when Gulf Arab states have voiced uncertainty about the United States' focus in the region, even as they seek more weapons from their key security allies.

President Macron has maintained good relations with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (MBZ), with investment flowing between the two countries. Paris has a permanent military base in the capital of the Emirates.

Sources said Abu Dhabi could buy around 60 fighter jets, although they warned the deal was not finalized. It will be the largest mass purchase of a Dassault-made Rafale, apart from by the French army, following deals in Greece, Egypt and Croatia this year.

"I don't want to spoil the Christmas present with the president," Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, told reporters ahead of the visit when asked if Abu Dhabi would buy the fighter jets.

The French presidency declined to confirm or deny the sale, with Dassault not immediately available for comment.

President Macron will attend a signing ceremony with MBZ on the sidelines of the Dubai Expo 2020 on Friday, the presidency said Thursday in the French leader's schedule leaflet.

On-off negotiations for the Rafale fighter jets have been going on for more than a decade with Abu Dhabi publicly rejecting France's offer to supply 60 Rafale jets in 2011, as "uncompetitive and unworkable." Abu Dhabi already has Mirage fighters.

Meanwhile, the French weekly business magazine Challenges reported on November 19 that talks are at an advanced stage of between 30-60 planes and could close during President Macron's visit. Neighboring Qatar has ordered the Rafale.

Defense sources say the Rafale fighter jets will replace the Mirage 2000 fleet, but are unlikely to replace the F-35 fighter jets, as the UAE continues to protect its security with its two main suppliers, France and the United States.

The deal will nevertheless be seen as a signal of impatience, as the US Congress is hesitant to approve the F-35 deal amid concerns about the UAE's relationship with China, including the prevalence of Huawei's 5G technology.

"This is a very good relationship and various agreements will be signed. After the president's visit, relations will be wider in various fields," Gargash said.