UAE Cancels Helicopter Purchase Deal from Airbus

Breaking Defense magazine reported today, Tuesday, that the UAE has withdrawn from a deal made in 2021 with Airbus for the purchase of 12 H225M Caracal multi-role helicopters for 800 million euros (880.6 million dollars). The magazine quoted Ma'mar Abdullah Abu Shahab, an official in the UAE's defense and security acquisition authority, stating that the decision was not political but due to financial and technical reasons. The official mentioned in an interview on May 8 that among the reasons were high lifecycle costs, constraints on adapting to mission requirements, and a complex technical proposal. An Airbus spokesperson said, "We have been providing our services to the UAE armed forces for over 40 years. We take pride in our relationship that also serves the bilateral ties between France and the UAE." The H225M is a long-range tactical transport helicopter similar to the Super Puma. The order was placed during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Abu Dhabi in December 2021, alongside a contract to purchase 80 Rafale fighter jets, which was considered a boost for the assembly line in southern France amidst declining demand for oil and gas.