First Rafale Export Sale Advances as UAE Detail Specifications

defense-aerospace.com ^ | June 20, 2009

[sukhoi-30mki]

First Rafale Export Sale Advances as UAE Detail Specifications (Updated)

(Source: defense-aerospace.com; published June 19, updated June 20, 2009)

PARIS --- Negotiations for the sale to the United Arab Emirates of 60 Dassault Aviation Rafale combat aircraft passed a major milestone today, as the U.A.E. government submitted its specifications to France. This will allow detailed contract negotiations to begin on prices and delivery dates, possibly leading to contract signature by year-end.

This government-to-government deal is valued at 6 to 8 billion euros, depending on the exact content of the weapons, support and spares package included in the contract.

Long-running talks on the contract had been coasting while Abu Dhabi, whose air force will operate the aircraft, finalized the technical aspects of the aircraft. These notably included which version of the Snecma M-88 engine, which long-range air-to-air missile, and which radar the UAE wanted, and these technical uncertainties prevented representatives of the two governments from opening formal contract negotiations.

Updated on June 20 The UAE specifications call for a more capable aircraft than the latest F3 standard in production for the French air force and navy. The UAE have asked for engine thrust to be increased to 9 tonnes each (instead of 7.5 tonnes for the current version), which will ensure a very high power-to-weight ratio given that empty weight is less than 10 tonnes (increasing to 24.5 tonnes maximum take-off weight).

They also want an AESA radar and improved electronic countermeasures being developed by Thales, and the MBDA Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile.

Initial deliveries could begin in 2013 if the contract is signed by year-end.

Below are the related statements issued this morning by the UAE government and French President Nicolas Sarkozy. (ends)

UAE Submits Technical Specifications for Rafale to France

(Source WAM news agency (UAE); issued June 19, 2009)

ABU DHABI --- The Government of France has received the technical and operational specifications required in the French Rafale jet fighter from the UAE Armed Forces within the framework of the ongoing negotiations between the governments of the UAE and France.

The date of signing the deal, which could be one of the most important export contracts of the aircraft so far, is set to be fixed in pursuant of results of the financial negotiations. (ends)

Statement by the Presidency of the Republic

(Source: Office of the President; issued June 19, 2009)

(Issued in French only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

The President of the Republic, who is attentively monitoring ongoing negotiations with the United Arab Emirates for the acquisition of 60 Rafale aircraft, is pleased to note that the dossier is progressing, as announced by the federation of the U.A.E.

This announcement, which comes as the Paris Air Show celebrates its 100th anniversary, is excellent news for France and for its aerospace industry. It confirms the excellent qualities of the Rafale. It is also a sign of the close ties that unite France and the U.A.E.

-ends-

[sukhoi-30mki]

By finally handing France detailed technical specifications, the UAE have cleared the way for final contract negotiations on the 60-aircraft deal. (French AF photo)

[TexasCajun]

Finally! ..some jobs for those car-burners in France.

Huh? ..what about American jobs?

Sorry, Dear Leader is busy playing golf, round-ball or eating ice cream with the kids maybe he's jetting off someplace with Michelle on date-night.

[rjp2005]

Will soon be in Iran’s hands 5-7 years from now. Chinese probably already have info on them.

[myknowledge]

A useful complement for their fleet of F-16E/F Block 60 Vipers.