UAE Rafales Strengthened with 300 Meteor Missiles in French Partnership

UAE Rafales Strengthened with 300 Meteor Missiles in French Partnership

Post by : Elena Malik

March 10, 2025 1:45 p.m. 1710

Photo : Social media 

The United Arab Emirates has finalized an important weapons deal as part of its purchase of French Rafale F4 fighter jets. Details about the missiles and other weapons included in the package are now emerging.

According to sources familiar with the agreement, the UAE will receive 300 Meteor missiles, a powerful long-range air-to-air weapon capable of hitting targets over 100 kilometers away. Some of these missiles will be manufactured in the UAE through a partnership with European defense company MBDA.

In addition, the deal includes 600 Mica-NG missiles, which can be used for both medium- and short-range attacks. These missiles have advanced radar and infrared guidance systems and will be fully produced in the UAE.

For air-to-ground operations, the package also features Storm Shadow cruise missiles (also known as SCALP-EG). These long-range missiles, produced in France, can strike strategic targets up to 560 kilometers away.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

Another important addition is the AASM "Hammer" smart bombs, which use GPS and laser guidance. These will also be partly produced in the UAE through collaboration with French engineers. To strengthen the country’s maritime defense, the UAE will receive Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles, which are designed to hit enemy ships. These will be entirely built in France.

Local Production and Advanced Engineering
At first, all of these missiles will be manufactured in MBDA’s facilities in France. However, in later stages, the UAE will begin local production of Meteor, Mica-NG, and AASM munitions at a joint engineering center built with French partners.

The Meteor missile is considered one of the most advanced weapons in this deal. It is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile that uses a special ramjet engine, allowing it to maintain high speed throughout its flight. This gives it a major advantage over traditional missiles, which slow down after launch. The Meteor can destroy enemy aircraft from long distances, keeping pilots safe from counterattacks. It also has an active radar system and a datalink that helps adjust its course mid-flight for better accuracy.

Designed to work with the Rafale F4 fighter jets, the Meteor missile will be customized for the UAE’s Air Force, ensuring it meets operational needs. Defense experts say its "no-escape zone"—the area where targets cannot dodge an incoming missile—is one of the largest in the world, making it a powerful tool for air superiority.

The UAE's Big Investment in Air Defense
The UAE’s decision to acquire these advanced weapons is linked to its landmark deal with France in December 2021. At that time, the UAE signed an agreement to buy 80 Rafale F4.2 fighter jets for around 16 billion euros. An additional 2 billion euros was set aside for weapons, including the Meteor and other missiles.

The agreement was announced during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to the UAE and is considered one of France’s largest-ever defense deals. The Rafale jets, built by Dassault Aviation, are highly capable aircraft that can engage in air battles, ground attacks, and surveillance missions.

The F4.2 version purchased by the UAE includes upgraded radar, better electronic warfare systems, and compatibility with advanced missiles. The new jets will replace the country’s aging Mirage 2000 fleet, which has been in service since the 1980s. The first batch of Rafales is scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Strengthening the UAE's Military Power
As part of the deal, Emirati pilots and technicians will receive training to operate and maintain the new fighter jets and weapons. The UAE’s investment in local missile production is also in line with its long-term goal of defense self-reliance. By manufacturing weapons locally, the UAE can reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers.

The addition of Meteor missiles significantly boosts the UAE’s air defense. These long-range missiles will give its air force the ability to engage enemy aircraft before they come too close. Experts say this capability is particularly important given rising regional tensions, including concerns about Iran’s missile and drone programs.

The inclusion of Storm Shadow missiles will provide the UAE with deep-strike capability, allowing it to target enemy bases, command centers, and infrastructure from a safe distance. Meanwhile, Exocet missiles will improve its ability to defend against naval threats in the Persian Gulf, a crucial region for global oil trade.

Defense analysts believe the combination of these advanced weapons makes the UAE one of the strongest air forces in the Middle East. A defense expert, who asked to remain anonymous, explained:

"With the Meteor, Storm Shadow, and Exocet missiles, the UAE now has a highly advanced and flexible air combat system that few countries in the region can match."

A Strategic Shift Away from the U.S.?
The UAE’s decision to purchase Rafales from France also comes after complications in its defense dealings with the United States. In 2020, during Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. approved a $23 billion arms deal with the UAE. This package included 50 F-35 stealth fighter jets, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and other high-tech weapons. The deal was announced after the UAE signed the Abraham Accords, normalizing relations with Israel.

However, when President Joe Biden took office in 2021, his administration paused the deal for review, citing concerns about technology security and regional stability. The sale was later approved, but negotiations stalled over U.S. restrictions on how the UAE could use the F-35s and concerns over Huawei’s 5G technology in the country.

Frustrated by delays, the UAE began exploring other options—leading to the Rafale deal with France. Some experts believe this decision reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing impatience with U.S. bureaucracy and a desire to diversify its military suppliers.

"The Rafale deal isn’t necessarily a rejection of the U.S., but it does show that the UAE won’t wait forever," said a former U.S. defense official. Others argue that Rafales and F-35s serve different roles, and the UAE might still pursue both in the future.

A Win for France and a Boost for UAE Defense
For France, this deal is a major success, both strategically and economically. The Rafale jet struggled to attract buyers in the past, but in recent years, Egypt, Qatar, India, and the UAE have signed purchase agreements, strengthening Dassault Aviation’s global presence.

For the UAE, the Rafale F4 and its powerful weaponry represent a major leap forward. With long-range air-to-air missiles, deep-strike cruise missiles, smart bombs, and anti-ship weapons, the UAE Air Force is now equipped to handle multiple threats across land, sea, and air.

The agreement also aligns with the country’s push for military self-sufficiency, as the local production of missiles will create jobs and technological expertise within the UAE’s growing defense sector.

As the UAE prepares to integrate these jets into its fleet, its position as a leading air power in the Middle East is becoming clearer. With deliveries starting in 2027, the UAE’s investment in modern warfare capabilities reflects its commitment to national security, regional stability, and global defense partnerships.

Indian Retail REITs Market Set to Reach ₹80,000 Crore by 2030: ANAROCK

India’s retail REITs market to grow into a ₹60,000–₹80,000 crore segment by 2030, driven by Grade A

Oct. 17, 2025 10:49 p.m. 141

India’s Industrial and Logistics Real Estate Sector Grows 28% in 2025

India’s industrial and logistics real estate leasing surges 28% YoY in 2025, led by 3PL, e-commerce,

Oct. 17, 2025 10:46 p.m. 141

India’s Office Market 2025: Demand Outpaces Supply for Sixth Straight Quarter

India’s office leasing rises 31% YoY as demand outpaces supply for the sixth straight quarter; Benga

Oct. 17, 2025 10:44 p.m. 137

Sobha’s Profit Doubles in Q2 2025 Amid Surge in Premium Housing Demand

Sobha’s Q2 profit more than doubles to ₹725 crore as India’s premium housing demand and record pre-s

Oct. 17, 2025 10:42 p.m. 146

Dubai Property Rally Nears Pre-2008 Record Highs

Dubai’s real estate market is surging again — prices up ~75% since 2021, rally closing in on pre-200

Oct. 17, 2025 10:38 p.m. 138

Dubai Land Department Showcases 19 Years of Digital Transformation at GITEX Global 2025

DLD marks 19 years of digital transformation at GITEX 2025, unveiling AI, blockchain, and PropTech s

Oct. 17, 2025 10:36 p.m. 141

Binghatti Denies IPO Prospectus and Price Range Reports

Binghatti refutes claims of IPO prospectus or price range, reaffirming all official updates will com

Oct. 17, 2025 10:32 p.m. 137

AMIS Development Unveils Derby Heights at Meydan District 11

AMIS launches Derby Heights in Meydan District 11 with modern design, rooftop pool, and premium amen

Oct. 17, 2025 10:28 p.m. 139

Dubai Real Estate 2025: Six Key Trends Shaping the Property Market

Dubai real estate in Oct 2025: Off-plan boom, new projects, and tech innovations reshaping the city’

Oct. 17, 2025 10:24 p.m. 137
Sponsored
https://markaziasolutions.com/
Trending News

7 Best International Destinations for Vegetarian Travellers Delicious & Travel Friendly

Discover 7 top international destinations for vegetarian travellers with delicious meals vibrant cul

Oct. 17, 2025 1:36 p.m. 611

Morning Habits of Highly Successful People Start Your Day the Smart Way

Discover the powerful morning habits of highly successful people and learn how starting your day rig

Oct. 17, 2025 11:39 a.m. 461

Beyond the Gym Dubai’s Outdoor Fitness Revolution on Beaches & Skylines

Explore Dubai’s outdoor fitness revolution on beaches and skylines blending health community and sce

Oct. 16, 2025 1:10 p.m. 424

AI in Dubai’s Luxury Salons Personalized Skincare Meets Technology

Discover how Dubai’s luxury salons use AI to create personalized skincare routines blending technolo

Oct. 16, 2025 12:48 p.m. 471

Pankaj Dheer The Timeless Villain Who Shaped Indian Television

Discover Pankaj Dheer’s legendary journey from iconic villain to timeless TV star inspiring generati

Oct. 16, 2025 11:30 a.m. 1292

Best Whole Grains for Weight Loss Healthy Nutritious & Easy to Include

Discover the best whole grains for weight loss boost metabolism stay full longer and enjoy healthy n

Oct. 15, 2025 1:26 p.m. 221

Top 4 Protein Packed Nuts and How to Include Them Daily

Discover the top 4 protein rich nuts and simple ways to include them in your daily diet for better h

Oct. 15, 2025 11:57 a.m. 209