French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation is poised to sign a deal with Qatar for 36 Rafale fighter jets, in what will be the third foreign order for the aircraft this year.

The deal includes a firm order for 24 jets, with an option for another 12 planes, according to sources who spoke to French news group AFP.

In February, France’s President Francois Hollande announced Egypt would buy 24 Rafale jets in its first foreign contract for the planes.

A total of 36 Rafale jets were ordered by India earlier in April.

Dassault is also involved in talks with the UAE.

Since 2012, Doha has requested $24.9bn of military equipment from the US to upgrade its airforce, including 46 helicopters, at least 1,200 missiles and early-warning radar systems.