Is Saudi Arabia “Closing In” on Acquiring French-Made Rafale Fighter Aircrafts?

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Following French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent state visit to Saudi Arabia, efforts to include Rafale fighter aircrafts, developed by Dassault Aviation, into the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) fleet are “edging closer” to becoming a reality.

Macron’s state visit to Saudi Arabia, held from December 2 to 4, saw the two nations signing strategic cooperation agreements spanning various sectors, including defense and energy.

“In terms of security and defense, we have clearly made significant progress… with a commitment to advancing the Rafale initiative, which represents a major shift in our bilateral relationship,” the French President told reporters on the second day of his visit to Saudi Arabia.

Macron further noted that the two nations had “achieved progress across all domains, from naval defense to air defense and satellites,” adding that Saudi Arabia and France had “signed several long-awaited contracts,” though he refrained from providing further details.

Discussions between Paris and Riyadh regarding Saudi Arabia’s interest in acquiring the French-made fighter aircrafts had already been underway prior to the visit.

While no official announcement was expected during the trip, a source familiar with the matter indicated that Saudi Arabia is willing to “make a decision” in this direction.

BRIEF:

Saudi Arabia is reportedly nearing a decision to include French-made Rafale fighter jets, developed by Dassault Aviation, in its Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) fleet. This development follows French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Saudi Arabia from December 2-4, during which the two nations signed strategic agreements spanning defense and energy sectors. Macron highlighted significant progress in defense collaboration, including discussions on the Rafale jets, describing it as a milestone in bilateral relations.

While no official announcement was made, sources indicate Riyadh is prepared to take steps towards acquiring the Rafale, potentially joining countries like Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE in operating the jets. In October, Saudi Arabia reportedly sought 54 Rafale jets after its efforts to obtain Eurofighter Typhoons were hindered by Germany. This decision has intensified competition, with Boeing also offering its F-15EX Eagle II as an alternative.

The RSAF, a longstanding Boeing client, currently operates F-15SA jets, and Boeing’s latest proposal underscores a high-stakes, three-way contest between Dassault, Eurofighter, and Boeing to secure what could be a contract for up to 100 fighter jets.

Currently, nearly 10 countries either operate or have signed commercial agreements to procure Rafale jets, including Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Croatia, and Serbia.

Given the developments following Macron’s visit, Riyadh is now highly likely to follow in the footsteps of the UAE and Qatar in acquiring the Rafale fighter aircrafts.

In October last year, Saudi Arabia reportedly considered procuring 54 Rafale fighter aircrafts for its air force after its efforts to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon jets were blocked by Germany.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a collaborative project involving four European countries: the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Germany.

If Saudi Arabia proceeds with the Rafale acquisition, it would mark the country’s first purchase of French-made fighter aircrafts.

French weekly newspaper Le Tribune reported that Saudi Arabia has formally requested pricing information for 54 Rafale aircrafts from Dassault Aviation.

Previously, the newspaper stated that the Saudi government intended to acquire between 100 and 200 Rafale jets, which are also operated by several neighboring Arab nations.

Shortly after Saudi Arabia expressed interest in initiating negotiations with France for the Rafale, Germany unexpectedly announced it would lift its objection to selling Eurofighter Typhoon jets to the kingdom.

This decision created an open competition between the Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon for Saudi Arabia’s multi-billion-dollar fighter jet contract.

In May, Boeing reportedly submitted its latest variant, the F-15EX Eagle II, to Saudi Arabia as a contender against the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon for the lucrative contract.

The RSAF is a long-time Boeing customer, already operating earlier variants of the F-15, including the F-15 Eagle and F-15SA.

Boeing highlighted that the F-15EX shares characteristics with earlier F-15 models, including infrastructure, training equipment, instructor capabilities, and pilot proficiency.

Currently, the RSAF operates 84 F-15SA fighter aircrafts.

Boeing’s bid to offer the F-15EX confirms a three-way competition among Dassault, Eurofighter, and Boeing to secure Saudi Arabia’s potentially massive contract, which could involve up to 100 fighter jets. – DSA