Dassault Aviation is facing production ramp-up issues with its Rafale fighter jet due to supply chain disruptions in the aerospace industry. CEO Éric Trappier mentioned that reaching the target production rate of three jets per month is more likely next year than this year. The company delivered six Rafale jets to the French Air Force in the first half of 2024 and aims to deliver 20 fighters this year out of their 223 Rafale orders.
Trappier emphasized the challenges in final assembly due to supply shortages and difficulties in structural parts. Dassault Aviation is assisting subcontractors and suppliers with staffing, financing, and price negotiations to manage the situation. The company is also in talks with various countries for Rafale exports and is working on developing the Rafale F5 standard.
Regarding future projects, Dassault Aviation is involved in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and the development of a combat drone that can team up with the Rafale jet after 2030. The company is preparing for the FCAS demonstrator phase scheduled to start in 2026. Trappier highlighted the need for government authorizations and military programming laws for these projects to progress.
