The UAE Ministry of Defense has inaugurated its first French-made Rafale fighter jet, marking a significant enhancement to the capabilities of the Emirati Armed Forces.

The ministry said on Thursday that the move is part of a deal signed with French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, highlighting the strong strategic partnership between Paris and Abu Dhabi.

The French-made Rafale is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat aircraft.

The UAE aims to enhance its defense capabilities by upgrading the air force fleet with the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets to address regional and global security challenges, the Emirates News Agency reported.

The launch ceremony took place in Paris and was attended by Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al-Mazrouei, UAE minister of state for defense affairs, as well as Sebastien Lecornu, the French defense minister.

Al-Mazrouei said that the UAE’s “strategy focuses on acquiring the most advanced weaponry and systems that align with the evolving nature of modern warfare and technological advancements, enhancing the overall combat efficiency of our national defense system.”

The agreement with Rafale will feature a training program to qualify Emirati pilots and technicians, ensuring readiness levels among national personnel, WAM added.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Salem Ali Al-Hameli of the UAE Air Force and Air Defense said that the Rafale aircraft features advanced technologies for reconnaissance and precise attacks on land and sea targets, making it a valuable addition to the UAE’s air force.

The €16.6 billion ($17.3 billion) deal between the UAE and Dassault Aviation is a key defense agreement in French-Emirati relations, involving the production of 80 advanced fighter jets with cutting-edge technologies.