Kuwait is in the process of finalising a deal with France’s Airbus to buy 24 military Caracal helicopters, according to press reports.

The deal is said to be worth €1bn ($1.1bn).

This is the most recent in a series of arms deals between France and the Middle East, including the supply of Rafale jets to Qatar and a Saudi-funded export package to Lebanon. It deepens French military cooperation with the region.

Tunisia signed a contract in May 2014 for six of the helicopters, worth €300m.

The helicopters are generally used for troop transport and rescue missions.

A contract is expected to be signed soon, according to the office of French President Francois Hollande.