France agreed to sell $19 billion of military aircraft to the United Arab Emirates, including jet fighters, while the U.S. Gulf ally’s burgeoning security ties with China impede its purchase of advanced American combat jets.
The deal, for 80 French-made Rafale F4 jet fighters and 12 Airbus Caracal combat helicopters, was unveiled on Friday during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the U.A.E.’s de facto ruler. The fighters incorporate advanced radar, targeting and weapons systems.
