The French government announced today that Qatar has agreed to buy 24 Rafale fighter jets taking the total export tally of Dassault’s aircraft order to 84.
Qatar becomes the third country after Egypt and India to confirm orders for the Rafale fighters.
The contract between the State of Qatar and Dassault Aviation is to be signed on Monday, May 4 in Doha in the presence of François Hollande, President of France who will be visiting Qatar. A separate agreement guaranteeing the deal will be signed between the two governments.
Dassault has received orders from Egypt (24 aircraft) and India (36 aircraft) this year.
The UAE also reopened talks to purchase 60 Rafales to replace their aging fleet of Mirage 2000s. For many years, France and the UAE are engaged in negotiations on the sale of 60 Rafale aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation, but negotiations were stalled lately.
France is also looking at Malaysia for the sale of 16 Rafale.