UAE and France deepen defence ties with Rafale F5 fighter-jet deal

Defence co-operation took a significant leap forward as the United Arab Emirates and France formalised their ties through a series of agreements signed during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Abu Dhabi. The intergovernmental accord focused on the Dassault Rafale F5 standard, encompassing technical and financial specifications for industrial co-operation in future combat aviation.

France and the UAE bolstered their defence partnership by strengthening autonomy and reducing dependence on third countries. Edge Group, a defence conglomerate in the UAE, has played a pivotal role in countering Iranian drones during the ongoing Iran war, with Macron visiting an Edge Group industrial site during his stay. The French Defence Ministry signed an agreement to enhance interoperability between the armed forces, advance co-operation in future technology, and strengthen industrial resilience, including artificial intelligence and space.

The agreements come as the UAE prepares to host the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex) in January, attracting defence companies from around the world. During Macron's visit, France and Bahrain also agreed to enhance co-operation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, while France and Bahrain signed a defence co-operation agreement in February.

The UAE and Bahrain were protected by France with air defence and anti-drone assets amid Iranian attacks this year. In the energy sector, Adnoc Gas and Schneider Electric signed an agreement to assess advanced technologies and enhance operational efficiency, while Adnoc Refining and Technip Energies signed contracts for a refining capacity enhancement and sustainable aviation fuel project.