Aircraft
Fighter Jet Competitions Still Up in the Air at Dubai 2011
Defense contractors vie for Middle Eastern fghter aircraft deals at the 2011 Dubai Air Show.
A knowledgeable British source told AIN that the Emiratis will now hold a formal competition for new fighter jets, and had just issued a request for proposals (RfP) to the UK government for the Eurofighter Typhoon.
A knowledgeable British source told AIN that the Emiratis will now hold a formal competition for new fighter jets, and had just issued a request for proposals (RfP) to the UK government for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

French hopes of an early order for Rafale fighters from the United Arab Emirates Air Force may have been dashed. A British source with knowledge of the requirement has told AIN that the Emiratis will now hold a formal competition, and had just issued a request for proposals (RfP) to the UK government for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s future fighter intentions are also unclear. The UK and the Kingdom have made only slow progress in executing the $7 billion Al Salam contract for 72 Eurofighters. Furthermore, Riyadh has not yet confirmed last year's U.S. offer to supply another 84 Boeing F-15 Strike Eagles.