Saudi Arabia Eyes French Fighter Jets Amid US, German Reluctance

Saudi Arabia is encountering difficulties in modernizing its air force, initially aiming to acquire additional Eurofighter jets and Lockheed Martin’s F-35s.

Both attempts have met roadblocks. Now, the focus has shifted to Rafale jets from France’s Dassault Aviation.

According to La Tribune, a French newspaper, Saudi Arabia is exploring the purchase of 54 Rafale jets.

They have asked Dassault Aviation for a detailed budget. The deadline for this is November 10.

If this deal succeeds, Saudi Arabia will be following the lead of the United Arab Emirates. Last year, the UAE bought 80 Rafale jets after failing to secure F-35s.

The United States has not given approval to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia. They want to keep Israel’s military advantage in the Middle East.

Israel already has F-35s, so the U.S. hesitates to offer them to Saudi Arabia.

Germany presents another hurdle. The country is part of the Eurofighter project, along with the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy.

They have stopped Saudi Arabia from buying more Eurofighters. Germany cites human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia as the reason.

The issues include Saudi Arabia’s role in the Yemen war and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Amid these setbacks, France sees an opportunity. Last month, France’s Armed Forces Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, met Prince Khaled bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.

They discussed defense matters, including the possible purchase of Rafale jets. Analysts suggest Saudi Arabia might buy 100 to 200 units.

The Rafale jet has already seen success in global markets. It has outsold its main competitor, the Eurofighter.

Specifically, sales to Qatar, Egypt, Greece, India, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia total 310 units.

Meanwhile, Eurofighter sales to Austria, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar amount to 151 units.