Link to article:https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/12/3/uae-buys-record-80-french-fighter-jets-as-macron-starts-gulf-tour
The UAE and France have signed a $19bn deal for the UAE to get 80 Rafale fighter jets and 12 military helicopters. The French president stated that this arms deal “directly contributes to regional stability”. This deal will be very beneficial for France as the deal will directly support 7,000 jobs in France and guarantee the supply chain of the Dassault Aviation-made aircraft until the end of 2031. It is unlikely that the Rafale would replace the American- built F-35. The deal could signal impatience as the US hesitates on approving the F-35 for the UAE as there are concerns about their relationship with China. France has faced pressure to rethink its sales because of the conflict between a Saudi-led military coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen.
This deal would greatly benefit both countries and align with their national interests. Although it would create many jobs in France and give them money, it is not the right time for such a deal. Especially under the circumstances of the UAE playing a leading role in the military operations led by the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, which has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. So the fact that France is having such a deal despite the conflict isn’t morally right. Also, this could lead to a significant loss for the US if the UAE chooses only to use France as a supplier.
The UAEs goal of broadening its military capabilities is a priority from the realist perspective. This is the realist perspective because having a strong military is a way to increase power. Power is important for a state’s survival because it ensures security by being able to get other countries to do what they might not want to do. The deal seems that it would greatly benefit both countries, which is the goal in the liberal perspective: to work together and benefit from one another, and cooperation is a step towards peace. The French president even said that the deal would contribute to regional stability.