Rabat-Paris Rafale deal fails due to Moroccan resentment and eyes shift to US industry
Negotiations between Morocco and France regarding the purchase of Rafale fighter jets didn’t result in a final agreement, as Morocco announced its withdrawal from completing the deal, which was considered one of the most prominent military deals between the two countries.
According to French media reports, the deal fell through over disagreements over price, maintenance terms and technology transfer, with France’s offer rising from 2 billion Euros for 18 aircraft to 2.6 billion Euros, after adding equipment and operational guarantees, prompting Rabat to re-evaluate the decision.
In contrast, Morocco has expressed interest in a US offer to buy 24 F-16s worth 1.6 billion Euro, reflecting a shift in its strategy to boost its military capabilities.
Observers believe that this development expresses a change in bilateral relations between Paris and Rabat, and shows Morocco’s desire to diversify its defense partnerships, with the possibility of resorting to alternative markets such as the Russian Su-35 aircraft.
A recent French report highlighted France’s failure to complete a deal to sell Rafale fighter jets to Morocco, pointing to a miscalculation on the part of the French side during the negotiations.
The French media reported, according to a senior official in the French Air Force who revealed that Paris expected the deal to be completed easily, based on the close relations between the two countries, but the high price was a major stumbling block.
According to the press source, the Moroccan monarch discovered that the price offered to Morocco was almost double the price France pays when purchasing aircraft from Dassault, which angered the Moroccan side.
In addition, France refused to provide credit guarantees, while the Saudi loan that Morocco was counting on to finance the deal didn’t materialize.
As the financial crisis worsened, the United States stepped in with an offer to buy F-16 aircraft at competitive prices, prompting Morocco to change its direction towards US industry.
The report indicated that this failure isn’t an exceptional case, as France faced similar challenges with other countries, as a result of fierce competition from American and European aircraft such as the Eurofighter, which is characterized by a lower cost and expanded geopolitical support.
