SAINT-CLOUD, France - In a significant move for French military capabilities, Dassault Aviation has been awarded a contract to supply 42 Rafale combat aircraft to the French Air and Space Force. This deal, known as "tranche 5," was finalized by the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) at the end of December 2023.
Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, expressed gratitude towards the Ministry for the Armed Forces, the DGA, and the French Air Force for their continued trust in the company. He emphasized Dassault Aviation's commitment to maintaining France's military industrial sovereignty, which ensures the superiority of French combat aviation and contributes to the country's diplomatic influence and economic strength in exports.
The Rafale is a fully omni-role aircraft, capable of performing a wide range of combat missions from various platforms. It has been in service with the French Navy since 2004 and the French Air Force since 2006, and has seen action in multiple theaters of combat, including Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria.
The addition of these 42 aircraft to the French fleet is part of a series of orders that have been placed since 1993, bringing the total number of Rafales ordered by France to 234. The Rafale has also enjoyed success internationally, with 261 export orders from countries such as Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
The new contract secures production activity for Dassault Aviation for the next ten years. The Rafale is continuously evolving, with Standard 4 focusing on connectivity and Standard 5 promising new collaborative combat capabilities.
Dassault Aviation, a company with a century-long history, has delivered over 10,000 military and civil aircraft to more than 90 countries. In 2022, the company reported revenues of €6.9 billion and employs 12,700 people. This order represents a continuation of Dassault Aviation's legacy in the aerospace industry and its role in strengthening France's defense capabilities.
The information reported is based on a press release statement from Dassault Aviation.
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