Arthur de Laborde/Photo credits: THEOPHILE BLOUDANIS / AFP
Saudi Arabia has asked Dassault Aviation for a quote for the acquisition of 54 Rafale planes, while the kingdom usually sources its combat planes from the Americans and the British. This is the first time that Riyadh has requested a costed proposal from Dassault.
Is Saudi Arabia about to order 54 Rafale planes from the Dassault group? If nothing is confirmed, a quote has indeed been requested by the Saudi kingdom from the French aircraft manufacturer. If a contract were signed, it would be a real industrial success. Usually, Saudi Arabia sources its combat aircraft from the United States or Great Britain.
Several strategies for Saudi Arabia
Given the geopolitical context, the issue is very sensitive. At this stage, it is a simple request for information, explains a source close to the matter. This is the first time that Riyadh has requested a costed proposal from Dassault. However, negotiations have not started and several months, even several years, could pass before the conclusion of a possible contract, an executive advisor told Europe 1.
The Saudis could choose to opt for a strategy of harmonization with the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, which already have Rafales. The kingdom could also use the rumor of a possible order for French aircraft to put pressure on its traditional suppliers and especially on Berlin which, since 2018, has vetoed exports of Typhoon, the Rafale’s main European competitor.
Furthermore, the Israeli-Palestinian crisis could have an impact on the Saudis’ final decision. Riyadh will do everything to place itself under the protection of the United States. The best way to do this is to place orders for American weapons and in particular for F-16 aircraft, analyzes another close to the matter.