217 reports
The procurement and development of combat aircraft by Middle East and North African air forces, covering fighter jet purchases, upgrade and support packages, weapons integration, supplier and export-control negotiations, and long-term planning for next-generation airpower.
MENA fighter procurement is being reshaped by wartime lessons and shifting supplier politics.
The UAE and France signed the Rafale F5 agreement on 20 October 2026, with Abu Dhabi now defining the terms of Emirati participation in F5 development, while the UAE also plans for post-2040 sixth-generation airpower across GCAP, FCAS and future US options and weighs what a Saudi F-35 approval means for its own US terms.
Qatar has requested 24 F-35s and an MQ-9B order in talks with US Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael DiMino.
Egypt is preparing an FMS request for new-build F-16 Block 70, pursuing a third Rafale tranche, weighing the J-10CE and moving to join Turkey's KAAN program before the end of 2026.
Iraq's Rafale F4 deal remains pending, and Oman has opened a Rafale track with France.
Loyal Wingman integration and weapons packages shape every program.
Built for fighter OEMs, defense exporters and Western government industrial-cooperation desks.
