Serving armed forces

Proven performance

France has taken delivery of 152 Rafales out of the 192 ordered to date. A further order for 30 more aircraft is planned as part of the 2019-2025 military spending bill.

The Rafale has now logged a total of more than 331,000 flight-hours, including 53,000 operational hours, making it one of the world’s most seasoned combat aircraft. It has been flown by French pilots in extremely demanding theaters of operation: Afghanistan from 2007 to 2012, Libya in 2011, as well as the Sahel, Iraq and Syria since 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively. The fighter has demonstrated its outstanding versatility and combat effectiveness. The Rafale can handle a variety of missions that previously required seven different types of aircraft. The Rafale is one of the key components of the French system of nuclear deterrence.

Rafale F3-R in service

The Rafale has been designed to be able to incorporate new features throughout its service life based on operational feedback. Its F3-R standard entered operational capability on schedule in December 2019. It completed its first combat mission in September 2020. The F3-R standard features the Meteor air-to-air missile, the Talios laser designation pod and a new version of the AASM guided missile.

Rafale F4 under development

Launched in December 2018, the F4 standard will be validated in 2024, with some functions already available in 2022. Its innovative connectivity solutions will increase efficiency in networked combat and pave the way for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This standard will include new upgrades in terms of the radar and OSF search & track systems, helmet-mounted display, along with Mica NG air-to-air and 1,000-kg AASM guided missiles.

The Rafale F4 will incorporate a new prognosis and diagnostic-aid system, providing predictive maintenance capabilities. Other solutions to optimize maintenance are also planned, including those based on big data and artificial intelligence.

Rafale exports

Egypt is the Rafale’s number one export customer and, on top of an initial purchase of 24 Rafales in 2015, it placed an order for an additional 30 aircraft in May 2021. Delivery of the first order was completed in 2019.

In January 2021, Greece placed an order for 18 Rafales, including 6 new aircraft and 12 from the French Air and Space Force. To make up for this transfer of aircraft, the French Air and Space Force purchased 12 new Rafales.

India, a Dassault customer since 1953, signed a contract for 36 Rafales in 2016. The Indian Air Force (IAF) took delivery of the first of its aircraft in October 2019. Deliveries to India are on schedule despite the health crisis.

Qatar ordered 36 Rafales — 24 in 2015 then a further 12 in 2017 —, with an option on 36 more aircraft. Delivery, which began in February 2019, is ongoing.

ATL2 and special Falcons

We have more than fifty years of experience in the fields of maritime surveillance and patrol, as well as in the modification of aircraft for specialized and high performance missions.

Our ATL2 aircraft, which play a key role in France’s system of deterrence, are currently undergoing modernization.

We are continuing work on the Falcon 8X Archange strategic intelligence aircraft.

In December 2020, France signed a contract for the purchase of Falcon Albatros maritime surveillance and intervention aircraft (AVSIMAR). Based on the Falcon 2000LXS, the initial order is for 7 Falcon Albatros, to be delivered starting in 2025, with 12 to be delivered in total.

We also delivered a fifth Falcon 2000MSA maritime surveillance aircraft (out the 6 ordered) to the Japan Coast Guard.