(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and France have long maintained close military ties; however, these relations have recently been strained following the arrest of Telegram’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, by French authorities.
Although born in Russia, Durov holds citizenship in the UAE, as well as in several other countries, including France, Russia, and the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
In a recent statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its close monitoring of Durov’s case and has formally requested that French authorities provide consular services to the Telegram founder as soon as possible.
“Safeguarding his (Durov’s) interests, ensuring his well-being, and providing him with all necessary care is of utmost importance to the UAE,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron has denied any political motivation behind Durov’s arrest, emphasizing that it is an independent investigation.
The detention of Telegram’s founder has sparked widespread speculation about the impact on UAE-France relations, not only diplomatically but also within the military sector.
One of the most prominent rumors currently circulating is that the UAE, angered by the high-profile arrest of its citizen (Durov), has responded by canceling a contract to purchase 80 Rafale fighter jets from France.
These claims of the UAE’s cancellation of the $18 billion (RM77 billion) Rafale fighter jet deal, reportedly in response to Durov’s arrest, originated from posts on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
The Rafale purchase agreement, signed in 2021, is the largest defense contract in France’s history.
However, investigations by France Info and several other organizations have found that reports of the UAE canceling the Rafale contract are baseless, confirming that the agreement remains intact.
In addition to acquiring Rafale fighter jets, the UAE Air Force has also previously operated Mirage fighter jets, another French-made aircraft.
The UAE Armed Forces are also among the users of “Leclerc” tanks, produced by a French defense firm.
Furthermore, the French Air Force has maintained an airbase in Abu Dhabi, UAE, since 2009, named “Peace Camp.” The base houses a squadron of Rafale fighter jets. — DSA