The France and the United Arab Emirates are discussing joint funding for the development of the future F5 variant within the Rafale club, which is still unofficial, reports a report in the French newspaper La Tribune titled “France and the United Arab Emirates discuss joint financing of the Rafale F5”.

“These are very detailed discussions with Abu Dhabi, which is a privileged and natural partner for France given the 80 Rafale aircraft it has purchased,” the article states, noting that in addition to the Emirates’ desire to participate in future upgrades of the aircraft, co-financing the Rafale F5 would be very convenient for the French Ministry of Defence “at a time when France’s budget situation is complicated.”

It is finally reported that the UAE could order another 20 Rafale and that this sale is currently being discussed between the two countries and aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation.