A new request for proposals (RfP) for fighter aircraft from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the UK and US governments threatens to derail political relations between the UAE and France at the highest levels. The RfP was issued on 9 November and seeks offers for the supply of 60 combat jets and a training package for 90 pilots to be in place by 2017. The request asks for bids from three aircraft: the Eurofighter Typhoon and Boeing's F-15 Eagle and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. It does not include Dassault's Rafale, for which the UAE had previously been pursuing a single specific contract negotiation. After years of bargaining with Dassault to acquire 60 Rafale aircraft as well as a sizeable weapons package, signature of a final contract was believed to be close and was expected perhaps during the Dubai Airshow (13-17 November) or on UAE National Day (2 December).
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