France and UAE Renew Rafale Fighter Upgrade Talks, With Costs Still Unsettled
· News Team
PARIS, October 23, 2026 — France and the United Arab Emirates are moving forward with discussions on an upgraded version of the French-made Rafale fighter jet, with funding and technology-sharing details still to be negotiated.
Reuters reported Friday that the Rafale F5 programme has returned to the agenda after earlier discussions stalled. French President Emmanuel Macron said during his Gulf visit this week that the two countries had agreed to establish a common strategy for the fighter’s next generation. The UAE’s official news agency separately confirmed that the countries exchanged a strategic defence partnership framework and an agreement on defence-industry cooperation on October 20.
The proposed upgrade would expand the aircraft’s connectivity and weapons capabilities, potentially extending its operational relevance into the 2040s. France’s draft 2027 budget includes €3 billion for the programme, Reuters reported. But a final financing arrangement, industrial workshare and any transfer of sensitive technology have not been announced.
The talks matter to both governments. France is trying to sustain its military aviation industry while managing pressure on public finances, and the UAE is already a major Rafale customer. Reuters reported that French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and Emirati defence group EDGE are involved in discussions. Dassault declined to comment to Reuters.
The latest developments indicate renewed cooperation, not a completed contract for the F5 upgrade. Any agreement on costs, production and technology rights remains subject to further negotiation.
Sources
- Reuters, October 23, 2026 — France-UAE Rafale F5 discussions
- Emirates News Agency, October 20, 2026 — bilateral defence framework
- Élysée, October 21, 2026 — President Macron’s Gulf visit
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