By In a recent development, the French government has initiated discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding the potential sale of Rafale fighter jets. France’s Defence Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, confirmed this news during a press briefing held on Monday.
While Lecornu acknowledged these talks, he refrained from disclosing specific details at this early stage.
As reported by the weekly La Tribune Dimanche, Saudi Arabia, whose air force predominantly relies on American F-15s and Eurofighters from Britain, Germany, Italy, and Spain, has officially approached Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale, for a cost estimate.
The request is for an impressive 54 Rafale fighter jets and comes with a deadline of November 10.
The Rafale, renowned as a twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft, has been a cornerstone of the French arms industry and contributed significantly to the record-breaking exports of French weaponry in the previous year.
France ranked as the world’s third-largest arms exporting nation after the United States and Russia, had previously sealed a deal with the United Arab Emirates in 2022, selling a staggering 80 Rafale fighters for an estimated 16 billion euros ($17 billion).
This move is not unique to Saudi Arabia. An array of other countries, including Indonesia, Greece, India, Qatar, and Egypt, have all joined the ranks of Rafale customers. To date, more than half of France’s Rafale production has been exported, signifying the global demand for this advanced fighter jet.
In an unrelated announcement, France unveiled its commitment to strengthening international defence cooperation. Armenia has secured a deal with the French defence group Thales, which will see them acquiring three Ground Master 200 (GM200) radar systems.
While specific financial details were not disclosed during the press briefing, this development is poised to enhance Armenia’s defence capabilities and security.
The prospect of Saudi Arabia potentially acquiring Rafale fighter jets marks a significant stride in the international arms trade. With the Rafale’s reputation as a cutting-edge multirole aircraft, this deal could not only strengthen the ties between France and Saudi Arabia but also bolster the kingdom’s air force capabilities.
As discussions progress, the global defence community will be closely watching for updates and developments in this evolving story.
The possibility of Saudi Arabia acquiring 54 Rafale fighter jets has piqued the interest of defence experts and nations alike. This prospective deal has the potential to redefine international defence dynamics, as the kingdom seeks to diversify its air force capabilities.
While the intricacies of this transaction remain undisclosed, it underscores the prominence of the Rafale in global military arsenals. As this story continues to unfold, it not only signifies a promising collaboration between France and Saudi Arabia but also reflects the growing global demand for advanced fighter aircraft.
