France and UAE sign intergovernmental agreement

France and the United Arab Emirates have signed an intergovernmental agreement regarding the future Rafale F5 fighter jet, according to Patrick Pailloux, the general delegate for armaments, who discussed the matter on BFM Business on October 30. The agreement, however, is not yet a formal contract, with discussions ongoing between Emirati and French industrialists.

Cooperation on specific components

The agreement involves cooperation on specific components of the Rafale F5, including parts, sensors, and other elements that can be reused. According to Pailloux, the partnership is described as a "different approach" with "cooperation on objects." The UAE will finance certain components that will be included in the F5, including the engine. Pailloux emphasized that the focus is on interoperability and that the UAE will participate in the development of specific parts of the aircraft.

Rafale F5 as a new plane

The Rafale F5 is described as a "new plane" more than an evolution, with Pailloux stating, "We will change everything, except the shape of the plane." The agreement allows for numerous possibilities of cooperation, including participation in specific parts such as pods, tanks, and radars.

Background of the UAE collaboration

This collaboration with the UAE follows a 2021 order for 80 Rafale F4 aircraft, one of the largest export orders for the Rafale. Previous negotiations had collapsed due to the UAE's refusal to finance the development of the new standard of the Rafale and France's reluctance to share certain sensitive technologies.

Sovereignty and export plans

Pailloux assured that the agreement does not involve any contract or partnership that would compromise France's sovereignty or its ability to master its destiny. The Rafale F5 is scheduled to enter service around 2034 and be offered for export shortly thereafter.

Dassault Aviation's stance

Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, emphasized that the company is capable of working alone on the Rafale F5, stating, "Why make a capital grouping to build a plane if we already know how to build a plane with a single manufacturer?" However, Trappier noted that cooperations will be proposed, although they will not be structural for the birth of this plane.

National work and future goals

General Jerome Bellanger, chief of staff of the Air Force, stated that the F5 will be the result of "national work." The Rafale F5 is considered a mid-life revolution of the aircraft, highlighting artificial intelligence or drones for collaborative combat. It is expected to lay the "first bricks" for the Future Combat Aircraft that will succeed it in 2050.