Aircraft
Triple Whammy for Team Rafale as Qatar Buys 24
French combat jet scores third export sale in as many months; UAE could be next.
A Rafale flies over the deserts of Arabia during a deployment. French promotion of the combat jet has resulted in three export orders in three months. (Photo: Dassault Aviation)
A Rafale flies over the deserts of Arabia during a deployment. French promotion of the combat jet has resulted in three export orders in three months. (Photo: Dassault Aviation)

French President Francois Hollande will fly to Qatar next Monday to witness the signing of contracts between that country, Dassault Aviation and MBDA for 24 Rafale combat jets plus weapons. According to reports in the French media quoting unidentified French government sources, the deal will be worth up to $7 billion and include an option for 12 more aircraft. It will include the training of 36 pilots and 100 technicians, the sources added.