Since 2007, the Rafale has proven its worth through its deployment in numerous overseas theaters of operation, either independently or as part of a coalition.Combat Proven in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali (Operation Serval), Iraq and Syria (Operation Chammal), it has demonstrated its unquestionable effectiveness by fulfilling the full spectrum of missions for which it was designed: air-superiority, precision strikes with HAMMERS and laser-guided bombs, deep strike with SCALP cruise missiles, Intelligence, Surveillance, Tactical Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and Strike Coordination And Reconnaissance (SCAR).
Designed to operate in an inter-allied operational bubble, the Rafale has demonstrated its total interoperability on many occasions, working alongside its allied partners.
Operating far from its base in difficult conditions, the Rafale was able to draw on its exceptional autonomy to attack targets at very great distances with surgical precision. The French Navy’s Rafale taking off from the deck of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle significantly increased the number of aircraft in the theater of operations.
The Rafale takes an active role securing the NATO airspace (Enhanced Air Policing) in the Eastern part of Europe: after the Russian aggression in Ukraine, French Air and Space Force Rafale fighters later supported by their French Navy counterparts conducted combat air patrol and were kept at short-notice readiness during the whole 2022/2023 winter in the Baltic States. The Rafale was the only combat aircraft to demonstrate a capability to deploy without delay to neighbouring countries while still conducting its QRA mission.
The Rafale has also demonstrated its ability to undertake long-duration missions (over 10 hours) and to deploy to overseas territories in the Pacific in less than 48 hours.