Dassault Rafale --- TECHNICAL News Only !!!!!!!

[TomcatViP]

Also in the French press

L’Inde prête à commander 114 Rafale : vers un contrat record pour Dassault

Selon la presse indienne, New Delhi étudie la possibilité d’acquérir 114 chasseurs Rafale dans le cadre du programme MRFA. Malgré la concurrence américaine, suédoise et russe, le Rafale F4 reste le grand favori, sur fond de tensions croissantes avec la Chine et le Pakistan.

www.parismatch.com

That time, India says a decision in... 2 months

 

[Deltafan]

From 06.15.2025

https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/defense/passer-de-1-a-4-rafale-produits-par-mois-le-defi-majuscule-de-dassault_606004

After years at a rate of eleven planes per year (one per month), the minimum threshold to keep the supplier chain alive, the French aircraft manufacturer, which has already increased to two planes per month, must increase to three in 2026, then four in 2028-2029. “We are studying the possibility of moving to five Rafales per month,” says Éric Trappier, CEO of the group. If necessary, we have the square meters on the Mérignac site. We will build additional hangars, and we will hire companions. »

 

[ComradeVortex]

Indonesian Air Force Rafales spotted in Bordeaux

 

[Life of Tyo]

Another pitc

 

[Titus K]

I'm always surprised by the amount of twin seaters, especialy during international exercices.
To date of the 533 rafales ordered :

• 30% are Rafale B
• 57% are Rafale C
• 13% are Rafale M

If you exclude the Rafale M it's 65-35 ratio.

So quite a lot of twin seaters ... for example in Indonesia it's 16/42 (38%) and in egypt 28/55 (50%)

 

[F-2]

At one point only the twin seater had terrain following capable. I’m not sure if that’s still the case but it might be more robust in the strike role in other ways.

 

[Deltafan]

‘Made in India’: India moves towards record Rs 2 lakh crore deal for 114 Rafale jets; defence ministry begins review of IAF proposal | India News - The Times of India

India News: The Indian Air Force proposes acquiring 114 'Made in India' Rafale fighter jets in collaboration with Dassault Aviation and Indian firms, a deal worth

timesofindia.indiatimes.com

The defence ministry has begun examining a proposal from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to procure 114 "Made in India" Rafale fighter jets in collaboration with French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and Indian aerospace firms.Estimated to be worth over Rs 2 lakh crore, with more than 60 percent indigenous content, the mega deal is expected to be taken up by the Defence Procurement Board, headed by the Defence Secretary, in the coming weeks, officials told ANI.
(...)
Officials noted that the move follows the Rafale’s strong performance during Operation Sindoor, where the aircraft reportedly outclassed Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles using its advanced Spectra electronic warfare suite.
(...)

As usual, to be confirmed.

 

[Titus K]

E.Trappier at the senate today answer a question on the maintenance of the mirage 2000 fleet in Taïwan :
at 42 min --> View: https://www.youtube.com/live/nvi6IjuyJKg

"And you know very well what the Taiwanese want : what they want is Rafales

It doesn't depend on me, and I don't say if it's good to sell to Taiwan or not, it's not my responsibility it's that of the state"

 

[GTX]

Taiwan Eyes Rafale Fighter Jet Sale Amid French Caution Toward China

Dassault’s CEO says Taiwan is interested in Rafale jets, but any sale is France’s call, signaling a potential shift from Mirage 2000s

www.armyrecognition.com

 

[H_K]

300th Rafale now delivered.

Delivery of the 300th Rafale - Press kits

The production of the 300th Rafale has been completed a few days ago. © HESJA

www.dassault-aviation.com

Saint-Cloud, France, October 7, 2025 – The production of the 300th Rafale has been completed a few days ago. To date, 533 Rafale aircraft have received firm orders from France and eight export customer countries. Thus, 233 examples are yet to be delivered, with production rates planned to increase to 4 aircraft per month.

P.S. That should be the 13th Rafale delivered this year… 12 more needed to reach Dassault’s guidance of 25 deliveries in 2025.

 

[Deltafan]

E.Trappier at the senate today answer a question on the maintenance of the mirage 2000 fleet in Taïwan :
at 42 min --> View: https://www.youtube.com/live/nvi6IjuyJKg

Taiwan Eyes Rafale Fighter Jet Sale Amid French Caution Toward China

Dassault’s CEO says Taiwan is interested in Rafale jets, but any sale is France’s call, signaling a potential shift from Mirage 2000s

www.armyrecognition.com

As said before, The sale will not take place. A few decades ago, when Taiwan wanted to acquire a second batch of several dozen Mirage 2000s, China threatened France with economic retaliation and France stopped the transactions. And the economic situation in France was much less serious than today...

 

[Ozair]

As said before, The sale will not take place. A few decades ago, when Taiwan wanted to acquire a second batch of several dozen Mirage 2000s, China threatened France with economic retaliation and France stopped the transactions. And the economic situation in France was much less serious than today...

Disagree. France needs these exports far more than they need China. Taiwan would also pay a premium to get these aircraft. The major issue isn't political blockers, it is production capacity, even with the per year rate rise Taiwan may be looking at the early 2030s before the first arrived.

 

[TomcatViP]

P.S. That should be the 13th Rafale delivered this year… 12 more needed to reach Dassault’s guidance of 25 deliveries in 2025.

Nights are gonna be short around Bordeaux - Merignac.

 

[Deltafan]

Disagree. France needs these exports far more than they need China. Taiwan would also pay a premium to get these aircraft. The major issue isn't political blockers, it is production capacity, even with the per year rate rise Taiwan may be looking at the early 2030s before the first arrived.

The Future will tell... And a lot can happen between now and 2030...

Otherwise:

Signed in 2021, the contract for 80 Rafale F4s for the UAE is priced at 17 billion euros for deliveries until 2031.

Dassault Rafale — Wikipédia

fr.wikipedia.org

France exports 24 billion euros PER YEAR to China and purchases 71 billion (2024)

https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/PagesInternationales/Pages/c4ae4ad8-b576-4da7-866c-8dda0c0e091a/files/c3fd5e1c-d680-4400-9eaa-fb37f4d00f0b#:~:text=Le%20d%C3%A9ficit%20commercial%20fran%C3%A7ais%20vis,demeure%20sup%C3%A9rieur%20aux%20niveaux%20pr%C3%A9pand%C3%A9miques.

China is France's 7th customer (France holds 1.4% market share in China) and the 2nd supplier. (I think these are the 2021 numbers)

France and China

Bilateral relations France's recognition of the People's Republic of China on 27 January 1964 marked the beginning of official relations. The (…)

www.diplomatie.gouv.fr

France exports 3.3 billion euros PER YEAR to Taiwan and purchases 4.1 billion euros (2024)

https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/PagesInternationales/Pages/4677f5f5-e6c2-434d-b27c-3b527536e1dd/files/1da21f31-5d39-4769-815a-8c02054bf583

Taiwan is France's 40th customer, its 38th supplier (2018)

 

[Titus K]

Yeah, I tend to agree with Delta... Sadly.

I’d also remind everyone that there have been recent rumours about a possible Airbus order of ~500 aircraft (including 150 A330 NEO) from Chinese carriers.
While there aren’t real alternatives, this deal could still be used to put pressure on the European aerospace sector.
And would France really take responsibility towards the other Airbus member states if that deal fell through or got delayed indefinitely, especially considering DE/UK/ES... would gain nothing from a Rafale sale to Taiwan?

 

[Ozair]

what do we bet?

I wasn't aware SecretProjects was also a gambling establishment... While I don't gamble putting money or favours or whatever doesn't change my statement.

The Future will tell... And a lot can happen between now and 2030...

It is a good thing we all don't agree else thee would be nothing to talk about.

Otherwise:

Signed in 2021, the contract for 80 Rafale F4s for the UAE is priced at 17 billion euros for deliveries until 2031.

Dassault Rafale — Wikipédia

fr.wikipedia.org

France exports 24 billion euros PER YEAR to China and purchases 71 billion (2024)

https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/PagesInternationales/Pages/c4ae4ad8-b576-4da7-866c-8dda0c0e091a/files/c3fd5e1c-d680-4400-9eaa-fb37f4d00f0b#:~:text=Le%20d%C3%A9ficit%20commercial%20fran%C3%A7ais%20vis,demeure%20sup%C3%A9rieur%20aux%20niveaux%20pr%C3%A9pand%C3%A9miques.

China is France's 7th customer (France holds 1.4% market share in China) and the 2nd supplier. (I think these are the 2021 numbers)

France and China

Bilateral relations France's recognition of the People's Republic of China on 27 January 1964 marked the beginning of official relations. The (…)

www.diplomatie.gouv.fr

France exports 3.3 billion euros PER YEAR to Taiwan and purchases 4.1 billion euros (2024)

https://www.tresor.economie.gouv.fr/PagesInternationales/Pages/4677f5f5-e6c2-434d-b27c-3b527536e1dd/files/1da21f31-5d39-4769-815a-8c02054bf583

Taiwan is France's 40th customer, its 38th supplier (2018)

Those are simplistic numbers though, there is far more to it than just trade deficits and surpluses..

 

[Deltafan]

Those are simplistic numbers though, there is far more to it than just trade deficits and surpluses..

For me, what is simplistic is to believe that this cannot be taken into account, particularly on the part of politicians and especially since this has already been taken into account in the case of the 2nd batch of Taiwanese Mirage 2000 (and the sales prospects for the Mirage 2000 were then much worse [and I remember an interview with Serge Dassault indicating that the contract for the first batch of Taiwanese Mirage 2000 had saved Dassault...] than for those of today's Rafale, for which there are still at least 233 aircraft to be delivered). Furthermore, it allows those who are interested in the subject to have CONCRETE references on what we are talking about, not just a simple opinion...
Readers of this topic will judge what here is simplistic or not...

 

[Deltafan]

Some information, sometimes contradictory, on the Rafale market in India:

Dassault Sweetens Rafale Offer with 60% Local Assembly in Nagpur, Eyes F5 Upgrades for 114-Jet Deal - Indian Defence Research Wing

SOURCE: AFI French aerospace titan Dassault Aviation has unveiled enhanced details of its ambitious proposal to supply 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF), emphasizing deep indigenization through assembly in Nagpur and a phased upgrade path to future-proof the fleet...

idrw.org

India Requests Pricing for 114 Rafale Jets from Dassault, Aims for Direct G2G Deal to Fast-Track Induction in IAF

In a major move to bolster its air power, the Indian Ministry of Defence has formally requested pricing information from French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation for a potential large-scale...

defence.in

Bad news for Pakistan, China as Indian Air Force eyes 114 advanced fighter jets from France; Contract likely to be inked in...

The IAF then has experience with Rafale jets, making the selection of the Rafale F4 a convenient choice for pilot training and maintenance infrastructure.

www.india.com

Inde : vers une signature en 2026 pour 90 Rafale F4 ? - OpexNews

L'Inde privilégie un accord G2G avec la France pour 90 Rafale F4. Feu vert à l’automne, signature en 2026 et production locale à Nagpur.

opexnews.fr

attempt to summarize:

Dassault's latest proposal to supply 114 new Rafales to India would focus on indigenization, through assembly in Nagpur and phased upgrading:
-The first 90 would be F4.1 standard. After 2030, the last 24 would be F5 standard.
or
-the 114 F4s would later be upgraded to the F5 standard

There is, however, one potential sticking point: according to Dassault, replacing the Thales RBE2-AA radar with local production could cause delays of up to two years and proposes an improved Thales. But that would make future weapons integrations dependent on Dassault’s approval and support.

AFAIK the Rafale F4 and F5 will have a different structure. It will be difficult to FULLY modernize (particularly at the level of the engines) from Rafale to F4 standard to Rafale to F5 standard.
IF (!) the contract is completed, we should have more concrete details in 2026.

 

[Scorpion82]

Some information, sometimes contradictory, on the Rafale market in India:

Dassault Sweetens Rafale Offer with 60% Local Assembly in Nagpur, Eyes F5 Upgrades for 114-Jet Deal - Indian Defence Research Wing

SOURCE: AFI French aerospace titan Dassault Aviation has unveiled enhanced details of its ambitious proposal to supply 114 Rafale multi-role fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF), emphasizing deep indigenization through assembly in Nagpur and a phased upgrade path to future-proof the fleet...

idrw.org

India Requests Pricing for 114 Rafale Jets from Dassault, Aims for Direct G2G Deal to Fast-Track Induction in IAF

In a major move to bolster its air power, the Indian Ministry of Defence has formally requested pricing information from French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation for a potential large-scale...

defence.in

Bad news for Pakistan, China as Indian Air Force eyes 114 advanced fighter jets from France; Contract likely to be inked in...

The IAF then has experience with Rafale jets, making the selection of the Rafale F4 a convenient choice for pilot training and maintenance infrastructure.

www.india.com

Inde : vers une signature en 2026 pour 90 Rafale F4 ? - OpexNews

L'Inde privilégie un accord G2G avec la France pour 90 Rafale F4. Feu vert à l’automne, signature en 2026 et production locale à Nagpur.

opexnews.fr

attempt to summarize:



AFAIK the Rafale F4 and F5 will have a different structure. It will be difficult to FULLY modernize (particularly at the level of the engines) from Rafale to F4 standard to Rafale to F5 standard.
IF (!) the contract is completed, we should have more concrete details in 2026.

Questions is how mature the F5 design is and whether certain provisions on new build aircraft are feasible for a retrospective F5 conversion, even if the initial delivery standard is F4.1.

 

[NMaude]

AFAIK the Rafale F4 and F5 will have a different structure.

There are significant structural differences between their airframes?

 

[galgot]

There are significant structural differences between their airframes?

Don't know if the M-88 T-REX set to equip the F5 needs bigger air flow, but if so they will need to make changes to the intakes, which would be a difficult retrofit from F4 to F5.
Moreover, from few vids I've seen of peoples who worked on it, these intakes were quite a thing to develop. the shape they have now "just worked perfect" after many many tests and head scratching, and when they reached that "working" shape the instruction was "don't touch the intakes"... So I wonder what changes they would do if they need bigger air flow.

 

[Deltafan]

There are significant structural differences between their airframes?

In addition to what Galgot indicated,

Indeed, on June 17 (2025), Safran said it had launched risk removal studies prior to the development of an “evolution of the M88 engine” which, “called M88 T-REX, […] will capitalize on the reliability and proven performance of the M88 while pushing its limits with a thrust increased to 9 tonnes with post-combustion”. (...). Thus, “the evolution of the low-pressure compressor will allow the admission of a higher air flow [which will undoubtedly require redesigning the air inlets of the Rafale], the high-pressure turbine will integrate new materials and new generation cooling circuits and the nozzle will benefit from optimized aerodynamics”. (...). “The M88 T-REX will retain the same advantages as the current M88 in terms of dimensions, modularity, consumption and cost of ownership,” Safran said.

Safran a lancé le développement du M88 T-REX, le futur moteur du Rafale F5 - Zone Militaire

Étant donné qu'il sera doté de nombreuses nouvelles fonctionnalités, qu'il aura une puissance de calcul sans commune mesure avec celle dont il dispose

www.opex360.com

Otherwise: the Chief of Staff of the French Air Force declared in 2023:

The F4 standard will constitute the first generation of connectivity and the F5 will give rise to the second generation, which will provide more secure connectivity. (...). However, this will require making significant modifications to the Rafale. “When the F5 standard comes out, the plane will be very different,” said CEMAAE. “The radar, electronic countermeasures and computer necessary for connectivity will have been modified. However, the computing capabilities making it possible to process hundreds of thousands of pieces of information require cabling that the Rafale as we know it today is not capable of supporting,” he added.

As for the Rafale F5, we know that it will be a “very different” aircraft, with, according to General Mille, the capacity to process “huge volumes of data”, which will notably require fiber optic cabling that current versions “are not capable of supporting”. And to insist: “The F4 was going in this direction, but it’s another scale”.

Further, one of the article adds:

the ASN4G should be much more imposing than the current ASMP-A [Air-Ground Medium Range / Improved] implemented by the Rafale B of the Strategic Air Forces [FAS] and the Rafale M of the Nuclear Naval Air Force [FANu]. It is “a big missile,” General Mille underlined. It remains to be seen what consequences this will have on the Rafale F5 standard…

Le Rafale F5 sera un "avion très différent", selon le chef d'état-major de l'armée de l'Air et de l'Espace - Zone Militaire

Étant donné le retard pris dans le programme SCAF et les aléas qu'il est susceptible de connaître d'ici sa mise en service , la France devra developper un

www.opex360.com

Le ministère des Armées a lancé les travaux relatifs au développement du Rafale F5 - Zone Militaire

Le rapport mis en annexe du projet de Loi de programmation militaire 2024-30 indique que l'armée de l'Air & de l'Espace disposera de 137

www.opex360.com

 

[BonPlan2]

At one point only the twin seater had terrain following capable. I’m not sure if that’s still the case but it might be more robust in the strike role in other ways.

No.
All the Rafale are fitted with an automatic terrain folowing system.

 

[BonPlan2]

I'm always surprised by the amount of twin seaters, especialy during international exercices.
To date of the 533 rafales ordered :

• 30% are Rafale B
• 57% are Rafale C
• 13% are Rafale M

If you exclude the Rafale M it's 65-35 ratio.

So quite a lot of twin seaters ... for example in Indonesia it's 16/42 (38%) and in egypt 28/55 (50%)

All the Rafale are able to perform all the missions (air to air, air to ground, attack at sea, deterrence in the french case).
But it is easier to to so with a dual seat : one to master the air threat, the other for the air to ground or attack at sea missions. But easier don't means that it is impossible with a single pilot : it is the Rafale M case.

Another point, anticipated for years, is the arrival of drones.Once again it will be easier to conduct a mission with linked drones with a dual team.

 

[BonPlan2]

300th Rafale now delivered.

Delivery of the 300th Rafale - Press kits

The production of the 300th Rafale has been completed a few days ago. © HESJA

www.dassault-aviation.com

P.S. That should be the 13th Rafale delivered this year… 12 more needed to reach Dassault’s guidance of 25 deliveries in 2025.

Same with Airbus : the last month always are the most prolific.

 

[TomcatViP]

All the Rafale are able to perform all the missions (air to air, air to ground, attack at sea, deterrence in the french case).
But it is easier to to so with a dual seat : one to master the air threat, the other for the air to ground or attack at sea missions. But easier don't means that it is impossible with a single pilot : it is tha Rafale M case.

the very peculiar choice of infinity collimated head down display and the narrow cockpit should play heavily in that requirement.

 

[Titus K]

the very peculiar choice of infinity collimated head down display and the narrow cockpit should play heavily in that requirement.

Have any other fighter aircraft used a similar type of display?

 

[TomcatViP]

Not to my knowledge.

 

[BonPlan2]

about "the ASN4G should be much more imposing than the current ASMP-A"
It is said that a first and smaller ASN4G may come first to be integrated on Rafale, and then a 1:1 scale for SCAF.

What is nearly sure is that if Rafale F5 will be a different plane than the earlier models, it is inside the actual frame, nothing visible outside except some antennas.

We (mainly the french) may have dream of a bigger Rafale for F5, but in fact more probably no.

 

[TomcatViP]

Well, if they do with that increased thrust engine, the inlets will be different, what should have some impacts on the aircraft front facia. Idem for the nozzles.

 

[F-2]

I wonder wh

No.
All the Rafale are fitted with an automatic terrain folowing system.

at one point this wasn’t the case

France clearing terrain-following autopilot mode for single-seat Rafale - Alert 5

The French Air Force and Navy flight test centers are jointly flight testing the terrain-following autopilot mode for single-seat Rafale fighters. By U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karl Anderson [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Currently, this feature is only...

alert5.com

 

[Titus K]

at one point this wasn’t the case

The single seaters were capable, but it wasn't yet authorized in the french forces

The experimenters are primarily looking to ensure the safety of single-seater aircraft pilots who will use terrain following. This experiment aims to offer the headquarters of the Air Force and the National Navy a training framework at a lower cost, operating both the simulator and the flights. However, this function is currently only authorized in a two-seater Rafale, including a pilot and a navigator.

 

[BonPlan2]

Well, if they do with that increased thrust engine, the inlets will be different, what should have some impacts on the aircraft front facia. Idem for the nozzles.

Are you speaking of the jet or of the ASN4G ?
If it is about the jet, the Rafale air intakes are natively built to fit a 15% more thrust engine.

 

[TomcatViP]

@BonPlan2 : Thanks for bringing that up. I have read that earlier in Safran or Dassault communication but think there is more behind the lines than a straightforward 1 for 1 exchange.
Rafale has fixed inlets with narrow geometry, rotational and varying sections. I understand and have no reason to doubt the statement but see challenges in this to being true all across the power range and speed or attitude of the aircraft. Without any moving parts, regulating the flow at the inlet, seems like an impossible task.

Then the big question is where that extra power is needed and if Safran matches this within the constraint of an unaltered configuration.

 

[BonPlan2]

@BonPlan2 : Thanks for bringing that up. I have read that earlier in Safran or Dassault communication but think there is more behind the lines than a straightforward 1 for 1 exchange.
Rafale has fixed inlets with narrow geometry, rotational and varying sections. I understand and have no reason to doubt the statement but see challenges in this to being true all across the power range and speed or attitude of the aircraft. Without any moving parts, regulating the flow at the inlet, seems like an impossible task.

Then the big question is where that extra power is needed and if Safran matches this within the constraint of an unaltered configuration.

in 2011, to meet the UAE request, a 9tons thrust M88 was tested. Was it tested on a Rafale? I don't know, but maybe.

If not, Dassault and Safran are not newby in this field. All we knew at 99% is that Rafale F5 will have the same external shapes, so for the air intakes, Dassault aexplained from the begining that the air intakes can accomodate 15% (or 20% I don't remember) more powerfull engine, and that the M88 T-rex is a "classical" M88, with the change of 8 or 9 of the 21 modules (ie : the same overall dimensions and weight than the legacy engine). It is possible thanks to new technology of materials (R&D effort "Turennes"), new HP compressor, new cooling systems, new aerodynamics improvements...

Is this extra power needed ? Any pilot wants more thrust... the electrical consumption will be higher (pave the way for DIRCM ?) with more antennas (side), and don't forger that the max actuel weight of the Rafake is 24,5 tons, but the frame is studied to grow to 27,5 tons.

M88 T-REX : Safran dévoile son nouveau moteur pour le Super Rafale F5 #ParisAirShow2025

Avec le M88 T-REX, Safran franchit une nouvelle étape dans l’évolution de la propulsion militaire.

armees.com

 

[TomcatViP]

Safran is certainly not a newbie unaware of this impact. But corporate communication often sidelines some aspects for various reasons.

 

[galgot]

"France is expected to order many more Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation."

La France doit encore commander des Rafale à Dassault Aviation

Dans le projet de budget 2026, le ministère des Armées évoque une cible de 286 Rafale (contre 225 actuellement). En outre, il va commander en 2026 deux avions de combat supplémentaires à la suite du crash de deux Rafale de l'armée de l'air en août 2024.

www.latribune.fr

In the 2026 budget proposal, the Ministry of the Armed Forces has announced a target of 286 Rafale jets (compared to the current 225). In addition, it will order two additional combat aircraft in 2026 following the crash of two Air Force Rafales in August 2024.

More than 60 additional Rafale (61 to be exact) for the Air Force and Navy... In the budget documents of the 2026 finance bill, the new Rafale target could reach up to 286 combat aircraft to face all threats and the increase in missions. " The program target may be adjusted to ensure consistency with the fleet format provided for in the Military Programming Law (LPM)" , the Ministry of the Economy soberly explains in the 2026 budget draft.

Until now, the overall fleet planned by the White Paper on National Defense and Security of 2013 and the 2019-2025 LPM provided for 225 Rafale, including 185 for the Air and Space Force and 40 for the French Navy. The 2024-2030 LPM currently provides for a Rafale fleet (Air and Navy) of 178 aircraft by the end of 2030 and 225 aircraft by 2035. The Rafale (air) made its first production flight in 1998, then in 1999 for the French Navy.

Furthermore, it is planned that in 2026, France will order two additional Rafales, a purchase that corresponds to the replacement of the two aircraft lost in a crash in August 2024. However, this order has no impact on the format of the fleet (current and future).

In addition to this acquisition, the Ministry will launch a version of the Rafale next year with the capability to neutralize enemy air defenses (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense, or SEAD). It will also continue developing the core capabilities of the F5 version with the launch of the next phase. In total, the Ministry of the Armed Forces plans to spend just over €1.5 billion in 2026 in payment appropriations for the Rafale program (particularly the F4 and F5 versions) and its environment (particularly UCAVs and infrastructure).

A few days ago, Dassault Aviation reached the milestone of 300 Rafale aircraft produced. The Rafale's commercial success was reinforced this year with the signing (April 28) and entry into force (May 7) of the contract for India to acquire 26 Rafale Marine aircraft to equip the Indian Navy. India has become the first export customer for the Rafale Marine.

To date, 533 Rafales have been firmly ordered by France and foreign countries (299 aircraft exported, or 56% of deliveries, 60% if we add the 24 Rafales transferred from the Air and Space Force to Greece and Croatia). Eight export customer countries (Egypt, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, India, Greece, Croatia and Serbia) have purchased the French combat aircraft. For comparison, Dassault Aviation has delivered just over 600 Mirage 2000s, of which around 50% are for export.

 

[BonPlan2]

"France is expected to order many more Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation."

La France doit encore commander des Rafale à Dassault Aviation

Dans le projet de budget 2026, le ministère des Armées évoque une cible de 286 Rafale (contre 225 actuellement). En outre, il va commander en 2026 deux avions de combat supplémentaires à la suite du crash de deux Rafale de l'armée de l'air en août 2024.

www.latribune.fr

286. It was the target long long time ago..... (from a early position of 320 units in mid 80's)

If true (with the huge debt it remains a challenge), that means brand new F5 may come in quantity. A good thing.

Another point : with the UCAV drone of Rafale F5, how this will affect the final figure of the fighter itself ?

So it is urgent to wait and see.

 

[Deltafan]

Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv is holding parallel discussions with Sweden, France and the United States to overhaul its fighter fleet. Stated objective: to ultimately build a tactical air force of 250 modern aircraft based around three platforms: F-16, Gripen and Rafale. Paris has already recorded deliveries of Mirage 2000; The Rafale hypothesis remains at this stage of negotiation.
On the French side, the presidency had for a time considered a transfer of Rafales taken from the Air and Space Force, an option ultimately blocked by the Ministry of the Armed Forces.
(...)
For Paris, the equation remains delicate: supporting Kyiv without weakening its own format or its current export contracts.

Après les F-16 et les Gripen, l'Ukraine envisage de se procurer des Rafale - Zone Militaire

Selon la dernière édition des Chiffres clés de la Défense, au 31 décembre 2024, l'armée de l'Air & de l'Espace comptait cinq Mirage 2000-5F de moins par

www.opex360.com

Paris has not confirmed official negotiations, but “President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine was actively negotiating with France on a possible acquisition of Dassault Rafale fighter jets,” according to the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform.

Ukraine : Zelensky annonce discuter avec Paris pour l’achat de Rafale

« Je mène trois discussions parallèles avec les Suédois, les Français et les Américains », a déclaré Volodymyr Zelensky. Le président ukrainien a confirmé que Kiev négociait l’achat d’avions de chasse Gripen, Rafale et F-16, dans le cadre d’un plan visant à constituer une flotte de 250 appareils.

www.parismatch.com

In the Journal du Dimanche, the entourage of the French industrialist assures “to be ready” for a possible request from kyiv.

Rafale : Dassault se dit «prêt» à livrer des avions à l’Ukraine

Le président ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensky a annoncé, lundi 28 octobre, qu’il négocie simultanément avec la France, la Suède et les États-Unis pour constituer une flotte de 250 avions de combat modernes. Un proche de Dassault Aviation confirme ces discussions auprès du JDD.

www.lejdd.fr

 

[EmoBirb]

Although France has so far committed to transferring Mirage 2000 fighter jets, Rafale deliveries have not been authorized. In October 2024, Le Monde reported that Élysée officials once raised the possibility of transferring Rafales from the French Air and Space Force to Ukraine. However, that proposal was blocked by the French defense minister.

https://defence-blog.com/ukraine-confirms-negotiations-for-french-rafale-jets/

Could France realistically free up Rafales? Especially with FCAS on the deathbed and order books full with previous export orders?