The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested technical information on the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a surprise move that turns an anticipated order of Dassault Rafales into a $10 billion competition.
"The UAE is asking the U.S. for information on the F/A-18 Super Hornet in the single- and twin-seater version," the source said. "It is in the very early stages; it's a preliminary contact. The UAE has opened the door to them." "This is worth about $10 billion, depending on the delivery dates` and specification."
The UAE is looking to replace the 63 Dassault Mirage 2000-9s it bought just over a decade ago.UAE authorities have been negotiating with the French government and industry a potential co-development of a more capable "fifth-generation" model of the Rafale.Abu Dhabi is being asked to pay to upgrade the Rafale, while the F-18 is already at the desired technological level. The Gulf source said, "The Super Hornet has everything we need. We don't need to co-develop or modify it."
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