The first batch of 80 Rafale fighter jets from France has been handed over to the UAE as part of a “historic deal” that reflects the strategic partnership between the countries, it was announced on Thursday. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) received the jets — which are among the most advanced in the world — from French company Dassault Aviation. This historic Rafale deal, worth 16.6 billion euros (about Dh63.5 billion), is one of the most prominent defence deals in the history of UAE-French relations. It includes the production of 80 fighter jets equipped with the latest defence technologies. The acquisition of this type of aircraft comes as part of a comprehensive plan to modernise the UAE’s defence capabilities, in line with security changes and challenges at the regional and international levels, the MOD said. The aircraft were received during an official ceremony in Paris, attended by Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs, along with other top Emirati and French officials. “Our armed forces, thanks to the unlimited support of President Sheikh Mohamed, have achieved a qualitative leap in terms of equipment and modernisation, making them among the most efficient and prepared forces in the region and the world,” […]