France is considering collaboration with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to develop the Rafale F5 next-generation fighter aircraft.
The countries are currently in talks about co-financing the initiative, with Abu Dhabi potentially covering the non-sovereign components of the fighter jet.
Paris will maintain exclusive control over the jet’s critical components, even if the other party agrees to the deal, according to French newspaper La Tribune.
If the UAE accepts the proposed co-financing, it will be allowed to expand its fleet of 80 Rafale aircraft to 100 and participate directly in future F5 innovations.
‘Rafale Club’
In 2023, French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu announced plans to form a “Rafale Club” for current and future operators of the French-made aircraft
The goal is to contribute to F5 development costs while ensuring sovereignty over critical components.
The club would also strengthen France’s relations with global Rafale clients.
In addition to the UAE, existing and future Rafale clients such as Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, Indonesia, and Croatia may opt to join the club.
About the F5
The French F5 fighter jet will be an advanced version of the Rafale F4, featuring significant improvements in connectivity and data processing.
It will include a new radar, a state-of-the-art electronic warfare system, and advanced optronic sensors for enhanced threat detection.
The combat jet will also be armed with the ASN4G hypersonic cruise missile, increasing its lethality against modern threats.
But the most novel feature of the F5 is its companion drone, which will assist the aircraft in penetrating enemy defenses.
Development of the new French fighter is expected to be completed by 2030.