France is a proud country. When it comes to military power, it is even more so. And it is only logical with military giants in its history like Charlemagne, Louis XIV, and Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Although close to the United States, France has always maintained a robust domestic defense and aerospace industry. French weapons and munitions are often competing with U.S. systems for international contracts. 

Perhaps one of the most capable weapon systems to come out of French factories in recent years is the Dassault Rafale fighter jet. With hundreds of aircraft sold around the world, the Rafale is a notable fighter jet. 

More Dassault Rafales for France: 42 New Fighters for $5.5 Billion  

Last week, the French Ministry of Defense announced a $5.5 billion contract for 42 Rafale F4 fighter jets.

The 42 Rafales will come with the Standard 4 upgrades that are soon to roll out in the rest of the fleet. This upgrade will make the Rafale better connected with other combat aircraft, warships, and ground systems. 

However, the 42 Rafales will also be upgradable to the Standard 5 version that is set to come out in about a decade. These upgrades are designed to keep the aircraft competitive in the age of stealth fighter jets, artificial intelligence, and unmanned systems. 

“[It] is excellent news for our sovereignty, our security and our armed forces who will benefit from extra Rafales with modernised operational capacities,” Sebastien Lecornu, the French armed forces minister said following the announcement. 

This is the fourth order of Rafales from the French military for a total of 234 aircraft. Everything began with 13 fighter jets in 1993. Then, in 1999, 48 more aircraft followed. Five years later, in 2004, the French military ordered another 59 aircraft. Then, in 2009, 60 more Rafales followed. There was a lull of 12 years before Paris order of 12 aircraft in 2021, and 42 aircraft now. 

The French military will get the first aircraft of this order in 2027. Overall, the French Air Force plans to operate the aircraft at least until the 2050s.

In addition to France's Air Force and Navy, the United Arab Emirates, India, Qatar, Egypt, Greece, and Croatia are currently flying or will be operating versions of the fighter jet. 

Dassault Rafale Fighter: A Diverse, Capable Aircraft

The Dassault Rafale is a fourth-generation fighter jet that is very capable in several mission sets. The aircraft can perform air superiority, strategic attack, close air support, maritime, nuclear deterrence, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission sets.

The fighter jet can carry a variety of all-weather weapon systems in 14 external hardpoints. 

In terms of performance, the Dassault Rafale can reach speeds of Mach 1.8 (around 750 knots) and has an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet. It is powered by two Snecma M88 engines. Its ability to refuel midair via a tanker with another Rafale (the “buddy-buddy” system) allows the fighter jet to extend its operational time. 

There is also the “M” version of the fighter jet, which is designed for carrier operations and fields a more robust landing gear and some other structural differences. 

About the Author  

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP. Email the author: [email protected].

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