The two countries exchanged a strategic defence partnership framework and agreements covering defence industry cooperation, future combat aviation and military technology during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
The United Arab Emirates and France have strengthened their defence partnership through a series of agreements, including an intergovernmental deal related to the Rafale F5 fighter-jet programme.
The agreements were exchanged in Abu Dhabi on October 20, 2026, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Macron witnessed the exchange of a strategic defence partnership framework and an agreement concerning implementation arrangements for defence-industry cooperation.
The developments aim to deepen military and industrial collaboration between the two countries, with future combat aviation and advanced technology among the areas covered by the broader partnership.
UAE and France expand strategic defence partnership
According to the UAE’s state news agency, WAM, the strategic defence partnership framework was exchanged by UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei and France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Catherine Vautrin.
A separate agreement on defence-industry implementation arrangements was exchanged by Dr Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, secretary-general of the UAE’s Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, and Patrick Pailloux, France’s delegate-general for armaments.
The agreements reflect efforts by both governments to strengthen cooperation across defence and industrial sectors.
Rafale F5 programme at the centre of aviation cooperation
A report by The National said the UAE and France signed an intergovernmental agreement covering cooperation on the Rafale F5 standard within their respective Rafale programmes.
The agreement also addresses technical and financial specifications for industrial cooperation related to the future of combat aviation. The reported arrangements are intended to support closer cooperation between the countries’ defence industries.
The Rafale is a multirole combat aircraft manufactured by France’s Dassault Aviation. In 2021, the UAE signed a contract to acquire 80 Rafale aircraft to replace its Mirage fleet.
The newly reported Rafale F5 agreement concerns cooperation on the programme’s future standard; it should not be confused with a separately announced purchase of additional aircraft unless either government confirms a new procurement order.
Defence industry and advanced technology
The broader partnership also includes efforts to strengthen defence-industrial cooperation and reduce reliance on third-country suppliers in certain areas.
The UAE has been expanding its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities through companies including Edge Group, which develops defence technologies and maintains partnerships with international firms.
According to The National, France’s Defence Ministry also signed an agreement with the UAE focused on improving interoperability between the two armed forces, strengthening industrial resilience and advancing cooperation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and space.
These areas indicate that the relationship extends beyond aircraft procurement to include technology development, industrial capabilities and coordination between the two countries’ defence establishments.
Wider UAE-France cooperation
The defence agreements were part of a broader effort to deepen bilateral ties during Macron’s visit. Separate agreements and preliminary arrangements announced around the visit also covered areas such as energy, artificial intelligence and advanced technology.
The wider agenda highlights the economic and technological dimensions of the relationship alongside military cooperation.
