Fighter Programs in MENA: Rafale F4/F5, F-16 Block 70, F-35 and Sixth-Gen

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.

France has sent the UAE a draft framework covering Rafale F4 fleet support and potential Emirati participation in Rafale F5 development, reopening a file once stalled over technology-transfer disputes, while Abu Dhabi also plans for post-2040 sixth-generation airpower across GCAP, FCAS and future US options.

Egypt is preparing a formal FMS request for new-build F-16 Block 70 under Israeli QME review, pursuing a third Rafale tranche and weighing the Chinese J-10CE as a separate option.

Iraq's Rafale F4 deal remains pending as Baghdad widens French defense cooperation, Oman has opened a Rafale track following Sultan Haitham's Paris visit, and Saudi Arabia's F-35 request remains tied to its US arms package.

Loyal Wingman integration and weapons packages shape every program.

This topic page tracks each fighter file, export-control signals and industrial offsets.

Built for fighter OEMs, defense exporters and Western government industrial-cooperation desks.