Rafale manufacturing in Abu Dhabi is now an option says UAE newspaper

The UAE air force have been close to signing a contract for the French fighters since this time last year. The country is believed to be considering an advanced version of the Rafale, with adaptations including a more powerful engine and radar system.

According to newspaper reports maufacturer Dassault, the aerospace electronics and systems company Thales, the engine maker Snecma, the missile builder MBDA and the avionics maker Sagem make up the French consortium. The companies have issued a proposal to train UAE nationals in aerospace manufacturing and production to handle local production of the jet, according to Major Gen Khalid al Buainnain, the former Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence.

“The programmes will be about how to manufacture aircraft, how to manage factories and about quality-controlled production,” the paper quoted Buainnain, the chairman of Baynuna Group as saying. Baynuna is the local partner in the consortium and the jets deal is reportedly worth as much as €10bn (Dh48.87bn).

Under the proposal, “it is not only the Rafale that could be manufactured here, but also executive jets and aircraft electronics”, Major Gen al Buainnain said, noting that negotiations between the French group and the UAE Armed Forces were “progressing well” and could be concluded this year.

The offer ties in with the Abu Dhabi 2030 initiative and plan to see more involvement at the knowledge end of the aerospace industry. It is understood that to implement the Rafale manufacturing plan, the consortium will be working with local organisations such as the Offsets Programme Bureau, Mubadala Development and the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research.