France, UAE Reaffirm Defense Ties With Surveillance Satellite Orders

France and UAE are said to be working on rebuilding military ties, after negotiations soured over a proposed purchase of 60 Rafale fighter jets, according to Defense news.

The two countries last week signed a $1 billion satellite deal that will allow the UAE to receive the two Falcon Eye high-resolution optical reconnaissance systems by 2018, built by EADS Astrium and Thales.

In addition to purchase of two French satellite systems last week, UAE has also ordered 17 Thales GM200 air defense radars in a sale to be worth €300 million, according to French MoD.

However, no significant deals have been secured after relations cooled, mainly due to difficulties in agreeing to the sale of 60 Rafale fighters.

Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to hold a stronger position as the prime weapon supplier to UAE.

But U.K. has benefitted with the French difficulties with the possibility of Eurofighter Typhoon chosen over Rafale deal.

Now, the upcoming radar deal and the signing of a contract to meet the long-running Falcon Eye requirement can cement stronger defense ties between France and the UAE.

The system is set to deliver an updated version of the Astrium Pleiades surveillance satellite which is already in service with the French military.

Astrium will build the Astrobus-based satellites for the UAE and the Franco-Italian Thales Alenia Space venture will provide the payload, according to reports. The contract also covers satellite launch, ground stations and training for 20 UAE engineers.

The local French media reported that France will retain as UAE’s military space provider with EADS Astrium previously supplying communications satellites to the Yahsat military and commercial operation. The second of two systems was launched last year.