Two Central Asian countries interested in the Dassault Rafale

According to the French press, both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have shown interest in the Rafale fighter to modernize their respective air forces, which are equipped with legacy Soviet equipment.

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It seems that France wants to break into an area of the world that was for years considered Russia’s backyard (return of courtesies for the Russian meddling in Africa?), which is why President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan during the first days of November, to deepen bilateral relations. And few agreements strengthen the ties between the nations as much as defense contracts.

In this regard, and as first reported by Intelligence Online and then ratified by La Tribune, Dassault Aviation has been prospecting these two Central Asian countries for months, with the aim of obtaining more exports clients for its main combat aircraft.

In Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has reportedly formally informed the French delegation of its interest in acquiring 24 Rafale F4 fighters to replace its current fleet of Russian-origin fighters, consisting of 38 MiG-29s, 20 Su-27s and 20 Su-25s, although it is presumed that many of them are not in operational condition. South Korean KAI FA-50s are also being considered as a considerably cheaper option, although a Hi-Low combination with both models is likely to be sought.

Informants revealed to the French press that Dassault’s sales team is betting heavily on an eventual sale to Uzbekistan, because they see that they have a chance, and are conducting a strong promotional campaign among senior government officials in the capital, Tashkent.

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In Kazakhstan

Here Dassault is also promoting the Rafale, but the prospect of achieving export success seems less likely, given the still strong economic and military ties between Astana and Moscow.

The former Soviet Socialist Republic of Kazakhstan, after its independence from the former USSR in 1991, also inherited a significant number of Soviet combat aircraft, including MiG-23/27/29 and Su-24/27 models. It is also worth noting that the Kazakh Air Force owns some twenty powerful MiG-31 fighters, being the only operator of this model outside Russia, which is evidence of the degree of relations between these two countries. At a later date it purchased 24 modern Su-30SMs. And we cannot forget that Russia currently leases around 6000 km² of Kazakh territory, where the fundamental Baikonur Cosmodrome is located.

Although relations between the two countries have cooled in recent years, France has no illusions that Kazakhstan is seeking to establish a dual source of supply with a Western aircraft manufacturer. Even so, Paris is determined to improve its political and military relations with Astana, and the Rafale would be the spearhead of such an initiative.