Cameron as Eurofighter VRP in the Gulf
(BRUSSELS) David Cameron landed in Dubai on Monday (November 5) as part of a visit that should develop trade with his partner in the United Arab Emirates. He did not hide his objective: the sale of European Typhoon Eurofighter combat planes.
The British Prime Minister hopes to sell more than 100 aircraft to his Emirati counterpart, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum - also Minister of Defense and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi - with whom he had a meeting during the day. A contract that still amounts to around £5,4 billion according to Downing Street. A test of the devices by several political and military leaders is also planned at the Al Minhad military base. According to the government, the Emirates have already expressed interest in up to 60 aircraft to replace their current fleet of French Mirages. Cameron should also go, alongside representatives of BAE Systems and Rolls Royce to a trade show in Abu Dhabi.
On Tuesday, the British Prime Minister will visit Saudi Arabia, which has already bought 72 Eurofighter planes but is still considering buying more. Oman has also expressed interest in acquiring a dozen aircraft. This visit follows that of French President François Hollande to Saudi Arabia and Defense Minister JY Le Drian to Abu Dhabi, who are still looking for outlets for the Rafale, which is thus in competition with the European aircraft.
Annoyed by the criticisms against him vis-à-vis arms sales to regimes not entirely respectful of human rights, the Prime Minister answered the questions without blushing. "We have some of the toughest rules in the world when it comes to arms sales but we believe a country has a right to its own defense and the UK has a defense industry that employs over 300.000 people, so this kind of trade is completely fair and legitimate.” Before adding " On human rights, there is no taboo. We discuss everything but also show respect and friendship to an old ally and partner.»
