Saudi Arabia is actively examining the acquisition of French-made Rafale fighter jets, as indicated by its recent correspondence with Dassault Aviation to inquire about the pricing for a total of 54 aircraft.
The French newspaper “La Tribune Dimanche” cited consistent sources, noting that Dassault has “until November 10th to respond” to Riyadh’s inquiry.
If the deal materializes, it would signify a monumental win for the Rafale aircraft, especially considering Saudi Arabia’s historical preference for American F-15s or the Eurofighter Typhoon, a collaboration between companies in Germany, the UK, Italy, and Spain. It’s essential to note Germany’s suspension of arms sales to Riyadh following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in late 2018, potentially suggesting that Riyadh’s interest in Rafale might be a strategic move to pressurize its regular aircraft suppliers.
Saudi Arabia isn’t the first Middle Eastern nation to express interest in Rafale. Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have all procured multiple units in the past.
Out of the 453 new aircraft ordered in this phase globally, seven countries, including Greece, Croatia, Indonesia, and India, alongside the three Middle Eastern nations, ordered a combined 261 planes. France itself has ordered 192 aircraft.
The Rafale, which entered service in the French Navy in 2004, has achieved considerable export success, albeit belatedly.
