France, Dec. 3 -- The United Arab Emirates has signed a contractto purchase80 French-made Rafale fighter jets and 12 military helicopters -the largest overseas sale of the warplane since it entered into service in 2004. Agreed duringPresident Emmanuel Macron's visit to the region Friday, the deal further deepens economic and political ties between the two allies.

TheUAE isone of the French defence industry's biggest customers, also ordering12 Caracal military transport helicopters, the French presidency said in a statement.

"This is an outcome of the strategic partnership between the two countries, consolidating their capacity to act together for their autonomy and security," it said.

French Defence Minister Florence Parly called the a...