The French aerospace company Dassault Aviation is actively engaged in facilitating the delivery of Rafale fighter jets to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, La Tribune reports. The potential supply of military aircraft emerged as a key agenda during French President Emmanuel Macron's early November visits to Astana and Tashkent.
Sources indicate that Dassault Aviation has been diligently working on establishing ties with these Central Asian nations for several months, as part of France's strategic intent to deepen bilateral relations in the region. La Tribune suggests that Uzbekistan may be considering the purchase of up to 24 Rafale fighters, although alternative aircraft options from different countries are not ruled out. While Kazakhstan aims to upgrade its fighter jet fleet, the prospect of Rafale jet supply to the country appears less certain, as per the article.
Contradicting these reports, the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan, as conveyed to "Kursiv," refuted the information regarding the acquisition of fighters from France.
The Rafale fighter, developed by Dassault Aviation, is a fourth-generation multi-role aircraft. Its maiden flight took place in July 1986, and it was officially adopted by the French Navy and Air Force in 2004. Armed with cannons and missiles, the Rafale is versatile and capable of carrying air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as medium-range nuclear warheads.
Aside from France, the Rafale is in service with the armed forces of Egypt, India, Qatar, and Greece. President Macron's visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in early November were part of France's efforts to enhance its energy security, with agreements in Kazakhstan involving increased oil supply and uranium exports to France. Following Macron's visit to Kazakhstan, France24 reported the planned supply of Ground Master 400 air defense radar systems to reinforce the country's sovereignty.
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