France and the United Arab Emirates signed an intergovernmental agreement to cooperate on the future Dassault Rafale F5 fighter standard. The memorandum of understanding was signed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s tour of the Gulf, as the countries seek to strengthen defense ties amid regional tensions.
The agreement sets out technical and financial arrangements for industrial cooperation in future combat aviation. It builds on the UAE’s 2021 order for 80 Rafale F4 aircraft.
The countries did not disclose financial terms or the extent of technology sharing. The F5 standard is expected to include a new radar, enhanced electronic warfare systems and the ability to operate with an unmanned combat aircraft.