Kuwait will test French Rafale jets in June before making a final decision to buy the aircraft for the country’s air force, according to Kuwait Defence Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah.

The proposed purchase faces opposition from MPs who claim the Kuwaiti Air Force’s technical assessment recommended against the deal, saying that the Rafale was technically inferior and more expensive than other international aircraft, according to AFP.

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The defence minister said the deal was in the early stage of consideration and under the technical assessment by the ministry.

Al-Sabah said that the deal would be signed only after all constitutional and legal requirements are completed and after the deal is passed by the audit bureau.

Kuwait and France signed a new defence agreement and discussed details to acquire Rafale aircraft in October 2009.

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