Official announcements from UAE authorities, major news outlets

UAE Freezes $10B Fighter Jet Deal with France After Durov's Arrest

Aug 27, 2024, 10:30 PM

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has frozen a significant contract with France to purchase 80 fighter jets, reportedly valued at $10 billion, following the arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram. The decision has raised concerns about the future of defense cooperation between the two nations. Durov, who is a citizen of the UAE and reportedly a close friend of the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan Al Maktoum, was arrested recently, leading to this drastic move by the UAE. The suspension of this deal, which involves Rafale fighter jets, could have substantial financial implications for France, with some reports suggesting losses as high as $17 billion.