Gulf Countries have shown interest in joining the “Rafale Club” in the region, underscoring the popularity of the Dassault Aviation-developed fighter aircraft among Gulf Arab nations. Oman, strategically located near the Arabian Sea and bordering Yemen, is reportedly looking to acquire between 18 and 24 Rafale F4 fighter jets. Oman has already initiated negotiations with Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of these French-made aircraft. Currently, the Royal Air Force of Oman operates a mix of 12 Eurofighter Typhoons from a European consortium and 24 F-16s developed by Lockheed Martin from the United States.

The reluctance of the United States to sell fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets to the wealthy Gulf states has “created an opportunity” for Dassault Aviation to strengthen its position in the region with the Rafale fighter jets. Wealthy Gulf states have expressed interest in acquiring the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, but due to objections from Israel, Washington has been reluctant to sell these advanced aircraft to them.

Israel and influential Jewish lobbying groups in Washington oppose the proposal to sell F-35s to the Gulf Arab states, which are also strong allies of the United States, as they do not want to compromise Israel’s “qualitative military edge” over its Arab neighbors. This situation has opened doors for France and Dassault Aviation. Indeed, the Rafale fighter jet is currently as popular as “hot cakes” in the Gulf region, with one country after another seeking to acquire it.

Saudi Arabia’s Interest in Rafale Jets

Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering acquiring 54 Rafale jets, although French media claim the world’s second-largest oil producer is looking to purchase 100 of these French-made aircraft. Saudi Arabia’s keen interest in the Rafale fighter jets follows a report that another wealthy Gulf nation, Qatar, is in talks with the French aerospace company, Dassault Aviation, to upgrade its 36 Rafale jets to the latest and most capable variant, the “F4.”

Not only does Qatar want to upgrade its Rafale jets to the latest variant, but it is also in discussions with Dassault Aviation to acquire an additional 24 Rafale jets by next year or 2025. This was confirmed by French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu during his recent visit to Qatar, where defense leaders from both countries discussed at Dukhan Air Base, which hosts Qatar’s 36 Rafale jets. He indicated that the discussions were aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Qatar’s armed forces.

Qatar’s Commitment to Rafale

The Qatar Air Force acquired its 36 Rafale fighter jets between 2015 and 2017, signing a $7 billion agreement with France in 2015 to purchase 24 jets and acquiring an additional 12 two years later in 2017. According to the French newspaper, La Tribune, the Gulf nation wants to upgrade its Rafale jets to the F4 standard, which is the latest standard and only recently entered service with the French Air Force.

The French Air Force began upgrading its Rafale jets to the F4 standard in 2019 at a cost of €1.9 billion. Paris expects all of the Rafale fighter jets in its air force to be upgraded to the F4 standard. Qatar’s neighboring country, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has also chosen the Rafale fighter jet for its air force, ordering 80 jets at the F4 standard.

UAE’s Massive Rafale Order

All 80 Rafale jets ordered by the UAE are scheduled to be delivered between 2027 and 2030. Additionally, according to La Tribune, France and Qatar are also discussing the possibility of Qatar adding another 24 Rafale fighter jets. If this occurs, Qatar’s total Rafale fleet would increase to 60 jets over the next few years.

Currently, in addition to the Rafale fighter jets, the Qatar Air Force is also equipped with 36 F-15QA “Ababil” and 24 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3 jets, making it one of the most capable air forces not only in the Gulf but also among Arab nations. France also hopes that Egypt will increase its Rafale fleet following its decision to cancel the purchase of Su-35 jets from Russia. At present, Egypt already owns 54 Rafale fighter jets.

Rafale’s Regional Impact and Capabilities

The Rafale’s growing presence in the Gulf region signifies a significant shift in the balance of air power. The Rafale F4 variant, in particular, is equipped with advanced avionics, radar systems, and weapons capabilities that make it a formidable adversary in the skies. The F4 standard includes enhancements in radar and sensor systems, improved connectivity for network-centric warfare, and the integration of new weapons such as the MICA NG air-to-air missile and the 1,000 kg AASM air-to-ground modular weapon.

These upgrades provide the Rafale with superior multi-role capabilities, allowing it to perform air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions with equal proficiency. The integration of new-generation weapons and enhanced communication systems ensures that the Rafale remains relevant in modern combat scenarios, making it an attractive option for Gulf states seeking to bolster their military capabilities.

Strategic Considerations and Regional Security

The acquisition of Rafale jets by Gulf states is not merely about enhancing military capabilities; it also carries significant strategic and geopolitical implications. The Rafale’s entry into the Gulf region represents a shift away from traditional reliance on American-made fighter jets, signaling a diversification of defense procurement strategies. This shift is partly driven by the aforementioned reluctance of the United States to sell F-35 jets to Gulf nations, influenced by concerns over maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge.

By turning to France and the Rafale, Gulf states are asserting their independence in defense procurement and signaling their willingness to engage with multiple defense partners. This diversification can provide these nations with greater leverage in international relations and reduce their dependence on any single supplier.

For France, the increased demand for Rafale jets from Gulf countries translates into significant economic and industrial benefits. Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale, stands to gain substantial revenue from these deals, ensuring the continued production and development of the aircraft. The influx of orders from Gulf states will likely result in job creation and economic growth within the French aerospace sector, bolstering the industry’s global competitiveness.

Moreover, the successful export of Rafale jets reinforces France’s reputation as a leading defense exporter, capable of delivering cutting-edge military technology to international clients. This success can open doors for further defense collaborations and contracts, extending France’s influence in the global defense market.

As Gulf nations acquire Rafale jets, comprehensive training and maintenance programs will be essential to ensure the effective operation and sustainment of these advanced aircraft. France has a well-established framework for providing training and support services to its international clients, which will be crucial for Gulf states integrating Rafale jets into their air forces.

These programs typically include pilot training, maintenance technician training, and the establishment of local support infrastructure. By offering robust training and maintenance solutions, France ensures that its clients can fully utilize the capabilities of the Rafale, thereby maximizing the return on their investment.

Future Prospects and Challenges

The continued expansion of the Rafale’s presence in the Gulf region presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, the increasing number of Rafale operators enhances interoperability among Gulf states, potentially leading to greater regional cooperation and collective defense initiatives. This interoperability is particularly important given the shared security concerns in the region, such as the threat posed by regional adversaries and non-state actors.

On the other hand, the proliferation of advanced military technology in the Gulf could exacerbate existing tensions and contribute to an arms race. While the Rafale provides a significant boost to the defensive and offensive capabilities of Gulf states, it also necessitates careful management of regional security dynamics to prevent escalation and conflict.

The Dassault Rafale has emerged as a dominant player in the fighter jet market among Gulf Arab countries, driven by a combination of advanced capabilities, strategic considerations, and geopolitical dynamics. As Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE continue to pursue acquisitions and upgrades of Rafale jets, the aircraft’s footprint in the region is set to expand further.

This trend underscores a broader shift in defense procurement strategies, with Gulf states seeking to diversify their sources of military technology and reduce reliance on traditional suppliers. For France, this represents a significant economic and industrial opportunity, reinforcing its position as a leading defense exporter.

The future of the Rafale in the Gulf region will depend on a range of factors, including geopolitical developments, regional security dynamics, and the ability of Gulf states to effectively integrate and sustain these advanced aircraft. As the Rafale Club in the Gulf continues to grow, the impact of this trend on regional security and global defense markets will be closely watched by analysts and policymakers alike.