Serving armed forces
Our fighter aircraft deliver what’s needed to meet current and future strategic challenges. While 325 Rafales fighters had been ordered (133 for export) and 239 delivered at the end of 2021, by 2022, there will be 453 Rafales on order (261 for export), once the UAE, Indonesia and Greece contracts come into effect.
Proven performance
The Rafale has now logged a total of more than 370,500 flight‑hours (including 58,500 operational hours since 2007), making it one of the world’s most seasoned combat aircraft. It has been flown by French pilots in extremely demanding military theaters. The aircraft has demonstrated its outstanding versatility and combat effectiveness. It 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.
France has ordered a total of 192 Rafales, including 12 aircraft to compensate for those sold to Greece. Out of these, 152 have already been delivered. A further order for 30 more Rafales (for delivery after 2027) is planned as part of the 2019‑2025 military spending bill. And 12 further Rafales will be ordered to offset those sold to Croatia.
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. The F3‑R standard entered operational capability on schedule in December 2019. Less than a year later, in September 2020, it completed its first combat mission. The standard features the Meteor air‑to‑air missile, the Talios laser designation pod and the latest version of the AASM guided missile.
Rafale F4 under development
Launched in December 2018, the F4 standard is set to be validated in 2024, with some functions already available in 2022. The F4’s connectivity will increase its effectiveness in networked combat and pave the way for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This standard will include 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.