Abu Dhabi Defence Force Air Wing

The file relates to the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Defence Force (ADDF) Air Wing. It contains correspondence concerning:

• Interest of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in purchasing French aircraft and helicopters after seeing demonstration flights of the Mystere and Mirage
• Sheikh Zayed's decision not to purchase the British Aircraft Corporation's BAC.167 aircraft
• Flight plan for the delivery of new Islander aircraft; and the possible interest of the Royal Saudi Air Force in examining them
• Warning for air traffic control that there will be increased military air traffic over Abu Dhabi now that it has taken delivery of its first aircraft
• Sheikh Zayed's wish to expedite the establishment of the ADDF Air Wing, his interest in Hawker Siddeley Aviation Limited's Hunter aircraft, and HMG's wish to influence his aircraft purchases and its concern at losing orders to France
• Suggestion that Sheikh Zayed delay agreeing any aircraft purchase contracts until after General John Willoughby has completed his report on defence for the Union of Arab Emirates