Rumors, confusion, and disinformation: Speculations are swirling about the United Arab Emirates canceling their purchase of 80 Rafale jets from France due to the arrest of Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram. What’s really behind these claims?
The United Arab Emirates Did Not Cancel the Rafale Purchase: A Baseless Rumor
By Alban Albanese
Last modified on September 8, 2024 6:06 am
A rumor has been circulating on social media, claiming that the United Arab Emirates canceled the purchase of 80 Rafale jets from France due to the arrest of Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram. This information, spread by pro-Russian accounts, has raised many questions, but it is completely unfounded. Let’s delve into the technical details of this strategic contract for France.
A Rumor Spread on Pro-Russian Networks
It all started with an anonymous post on the X platform (formerly Twitter), claiming that the United Arab Emirates had frozen a jet purchase contract in retaliation for Pavel Durov’s legal troubles in France. The post was amplified by a video featuring the branding of Al Jazeera, enhancing the perceived credibility of this false information. However, an investigation by Franceinfo reveals that the report is fake: there is no trace of this video on Al Jazeera’s official platforms or social media. This video, distributed from a pro-Russian Telegram account, was clearly intended to manipulate public opinion.
The Rafale Contract: A Solid and Intact Agreement
The contract in question, signed in 2021, provides for the purchase of 80 Rafale F4 standard jets, a modernized version of the combat aircraft, for a total of 17 billion euros. It is one of the most significant contracts ever signed by Dassault Aviation and a strategic milestone for the French military aviation industry. This Rafale model includes notable enhancements, such as advanced detection systems, improved connectivity, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
The delivery of these aircraft, intended to equip the UAE Air Force, is scheduled between 2027 and 2031. Since the agreement was signed, neither the Emirati authorities nor Dassault Aviation have expressed any doubts or intentions to question this partnership. The French Ministry of the Armed Forces, which is directly involved, has made no comments suggesting a possible cancellation of this order.
An Orchestrated Manipulation to Destabilize
The origin of this false information comes from a pro-Russian disinformation network active on social media. This network regularly disseminates misleading content aimed at destabilizing international relations of Western countries. The Durov affair was used as a lever to attack France and sow doubt about its relations with the United Arab Emirates. The Emirati authorities did indeed respond to Pavel Durov's arrest by requesting consular services for their national, but they never linked this situation to the Rafale contract.
According to the Service for Vigilance and Protection against Foreign Digital Interference of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this rumor is part of a broader campaign targeting Europe. Several pro-Russian sites, including Sputnik Belarus and Topwar.ru, have relayed this false information, attempting to weaken France's position on the international stage and harm its strategic partnerships.
In conclusion, the Rafale contract with the United Arab Emirates remains solid and in effect, despite attempts at disinformation. Efforts to spread these rumors highlight the importance for states to remain vigilant against such manipulation campaigns aimed at undermining strategic international agreements.