France has placed an order for 42 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation, which is valued at more than €5 billion (U.S. $5.5 billion), the Armed Forces Ministry announced on Friday. The jets will be fitted to the F4 production standard and will be one-seater versions, equipped with MBDA’s Mica medium-range air-to-air missile as well as an upgrade of the Spectra self-defense system developed by Thales. This decision comes as French lawmakers express concerns about the Franco-German project waiting until 2045 or 2050 to develop a successor to the Rafale. Until FCAS becomes operational, France will need a top-notch fighter to ensure the airborne component of its nuclear deterrent, the defense committee said.
The Rafale, considered a 4.5-generation fighter, is known for its stealth technology and ability to reach supersonic speed without the use of afterburners and engage in combat beyond visual range. So far, the Rafale has seen action in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria. The Rafale’s production line is expected to be active for the next 10 years, and 60 Rafales were ordered in 2023. These included the 42 for France and 18 for Indonesia. The latest deal is the first major expenditure under France’s 2024-2030 military budget law and will support more than 7,000 jobs across more than 400 companies.
