France challenges US defense industry in Middle East as Rafale fighter jet sales outshine F-35

Al-Monitor Pro Members

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst, Al-Monitor

Aug. 4, 2023

France is gunning for another major warplane deal with Qatar. News surfaced in July that Doha may purchase 24 additional Rafale fighters, a contract potentially worth around $6 billion. This comes as Middle East states have lined up to buy the French warplane over rival US-made F-35s, which is seeing regional customers helping fuel France’s record arms exports. That’s threatening the dominance of US defense contractors in the Middle East as Washington’s relations fray with traditional allies, which are seeking to diversify their weapons suppliers. The frontlines of that rivalry may soon shift to Saudi Arabia, a market where the United States commands 78% of arms imports. France now looks poised for more defense dealmaking in the kingdom amid President Emmanuel Macron’s charm offensive with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which in June 2023 produced a new Airbus joint venture to produce military helicopters in the Gulf country.