On Tuesday, Breaking Defense magazine claimed that the UAE had canceled an 800 million euro ($880.6 million) Airbus (AIR.PA) contract to buy 12 H225M Caracal multirole helicopters.
The UAE’s defense and security acquisitions authority chief Muammar Abdulla Abushehab told the Washington-based journal that the decision was financial and technological.
In a May 8 interview, the official cited high lifespan costs, limited mission adaptability, and a difficult technical proposal.
The UAE government media office did not immediately comment.
Airbus Helicopters didn’t comment.
We have served the UAE military for over 40 years. “We’re proud of our relationship, which benefits France-UAE relations,” an Airbus official said.
“We do not discuss customer discussions.”
Long-range tactical transporters like the Super Puma VIP, offshore, and search-and-rescue helicopters are H225Ms.
In December 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron ordered 80 Rafale fighter planes during a visit to Abu Dhabi, boosting the southern French production line amid reduced oil and gas demand.
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