Dassault Rafale

The Rafale, designed by Dassault Aviation, is a multirole combat aircraft delivered to the French Navy in 2001 and entered service in 2002. Used by several international air forces (Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, Croatia) and ordered by other countries (United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Serbia), it has contributed to the growth of French military exports.

Developed after the failure of a European cooperation, the Rafale program began in 1986. Equipped with delta wings, canard planes, electric controls and stealth equipment, it is equipped with Snecma M88 engines and an RBE2 radar. It can use air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, ASMP-A nuclear missiles and anti-ship missiles.

Initially, 286 units were planned for France, but only 192 were ordered, with 153 delivered by the end of 2022. In export, major contracts were concluded: Egypt (55 aircraft, €8.5 billion), Qatar (36 aircraft, €7.4 billion), India (36 aircraft, €7.8 billion), Greece (24 aircraft), Croatia (12 aircraft), and the United Arab Emirates (80 aircraft, €17 billion). In total, exports generated €48.7 billion.

The Rafale has been used in major conflicts such as Afghanistan, Mali, Libya, and against the Islamic State. A successor is currently being developed as part of the SCAF program, with entry into service planned by 2040. In addition, a combat drone will accompany the Rafale F5 from 2033 to strengthen its operational capacity until 2060.