LBCI

UAE defense ministry says French warplanes not a substitute for US jets

Middle East

05-12-2021 | 06:05

Share

Share

UAE defense ministry says French warplanes not a substitute for US jets

2^min

The United Arab Emirates defense ministry said its purchase of French Rafale fighter jets would complement its planned deal to buy American F-35 warplanes, which has slowed due to Washington's concerns over Abu Dhabi's relationship with China.

The Gulf Arab state on Friday ordered 80 Rafales made by Dassault Aviation and 12 Caracal military helicopters made by Airbus Helicopters in an arms contract worth 17 billion euros ($19.2 billion).

Major General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defense, said in a statement on state news agency WAM late on Saturday that the Rafale jets would replace the UAE's French-built Mirage 2000 fleet.

"This deal is not considered as an alternative for the forthcoming F-35 deal, it is rather a complementary deal... as we develop our air force capabilities," Alawi said, adding the UAE had for some time been looking to replace its Mirage fleet.

The sale of 50 F-35 warplanes made by Lockheed Martin to the UAE has slowed amid concerns in Washington over Abu Dhabi's relationship with China, including use of Huawei 5G technology in the country.

Last month, a U.S. official said the United States intends to move forward with the sale but that there must be a clear understanding of "Emirati obligations".

The United States under then-President Donald Trump agreed to sell the jets after the UAE last year established ties with Israel. President Joe Biden's administration has said this year it would proceed with the sale.

REUTERS

Breaking Headlines

UAE

Defense Ministry

French

Warplanes

US

Jets

Subscribe to our VOD

SUBSCRIBE

Our visitors readings

Zelensky says discussed 'unconditional ceasefire' in Trump talks

2025-04-26

Zelensky says discussed 'unconditional ceasefire' in Trump talks

Kremlin says Trump envoy Witkoff arrived in Russia: State media

2025-04-11

Kremlin says Trump envoy Witkoff arrived in Russia: State media

Russia announces fresh POW swap with Ukraine

06:23

Russia announces fresh POW swap with Ukraine

PM Salam: Issue of Lebanese missing in Syria to be raised during visit, calls for unity and reform on civil war anniversary

2025-04-13

PM Salam: Issue of Lebanese missing in Syria to be raised during visit, calls for unity and reform on civil war anniversary

Videos

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

2025-07-01

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

2025-06-10

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

2025-06-04

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

President Aoun to seek Egyptian support for Lebanese Army in detecting explosives and tunnels

2025-05-19

President Aoun to seek Egyptian support for Lebanese Army in detecting explosives and tunnels

LBCI Exclusive: US steps up pressure on Hezbollah, Morgan Ortagus details sanctions and vision for Lebanon's future

2025-05-15

LBCI Exclusive: US steps up pressure on Hezbollah, Morgan Ortagus details sanctions and vision for Lebanon's future

Kuwait rolls out official welcome for Lebanon's President Aoun – video

2025-05-11

Kuwait rolls out official welcome for Lebanon's President Aoun – video

Security incidents temporarily disrupt voting in several Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh centers

2025-05-11

Security incidents temporarily disrupt voting in several Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh centers

EU ambassador says 'we are not just donors, but genuine partners to Lebanon': Insights from exclusive LBCI interview

News Bulletin Reports

2025-05-09

EU ambassador says 'we are not just donors, but genuine partners to Lebanon': Insights from exclusive LBCI interview

US envoy Morgan Ortagus hails Lebanese diaspora, says country stands at a crossroads

2025-04-23

US envoy Morgan Ortagus hails Lebanese diaspora, says country stands at a crossroads

Most read

24 hours

7 days

Month

Reuters: Hezbollah considering scaling back its arsenal

1

Reuters: Hezbollah considering scaling back its arsenal

Future of Hezbollah's arsenal: US envoy's visit nears as Lebanon finalizes response to US proposal

2

Future of Hezbollah's arsenal: US envoy's visit nears as Lebanon finalizes response to US proposal

Amal Movement demands Israeli withdrawal, rejects political conditions tied to reconstruction

3

Amal Movement demands Israeli withdrawal, rejects political conditions tied to reconstruction

Trump-Netanyahu talks loom: Syria sets conditions for recognizing Israel

4

Trump-Netanyahu talks loom: Syria sets conditions for recognizing Israel

Israeli army says it killed Lebanese operative linked to Iran's Quds Force

5

Israeli army says it killed Lebanese operative linked to Iran's Quds Force

Sources to LBCI: Lebanon to hold key meeting on US proposal response at Baabda Palace

6

Sources to LBCI: Lebanon to hold key meeting on US proposal response at Baabda Palace

UNFPA donates medical equipment to support Lebanon’s primary healthcare system

7

UNFPA donates medical equipment to support Lebanon’s primary healthcare system

No justice yet: Beirut Port explosion indictment unlikely before fifth anniversary

8

No justice yet: Beirut Port explosion indictment unlikely before fifth anniversary

Download now the LBCI mobile app

To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world

Google Play

App Store

Download now the LBCI mobile app

We use
cookies

We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.

Accept

Learn More