“This is the biggest military contract with a French component in our history”, welcomes Emmanuel Macron after the sale of 80 Rafale to the Emirates

“It is the largest military contract with a French component in our history.” Emmanuel Macron welcomed, Friday, December 3, the sale of 80 Rafales in the United Arab Emirates. “These contracts, military or economic, are part of a long-term strategy. A very special relationship which has always existed and which dates in particular from President Chirac which has always continued and which has intensified in recent years. in particular in the fight against terrorism “, he told journalists present on site, including those from France Televisions.

The contract value for the 80 Rafale fighter jets and 12 Caracal helicopters sold to the United Arab Emirates amounts to 17 billion euros, the Ministry of the Armed Forces told franceinfo. Of these 17 billion euros, 16 billion correspond to the sale of Rafale.

Emmanuel Macron also responded to criticism leveled against the sale of arms to the United Arab Emirates. “We have always been clear on the subject of human rights”, said the head of state. “I believe that France has a role to play in the region (…) that does not mean that we are complacent, but that means that we have to talk”, he clarified.

“These are Rafales, helicopters, military equipment, it is also a cultural partnership which continues with the Louvres Abu Dhabi”, Emmanuel Macron added. “These contracts are important contracts for our economy, they create jobs in France because this equipment will be produced in France”, he recalled.