PARIS: France has ordered 42 new Rafale fighter jets, said Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Friday.
The first delivery of the latest version of Dassault’s Rafale planes is scheduled for 2027, contributing to a total of 234 Rafales acquired by Paris.
The five-billion-euro ($5.5 billion) order, the first major purchase under France’s 413-billion-euro military procurement plan for 2024-30, aims to provide the French air force with “modernized operational capabilities,” Lecornu stated.
The Rafale, known for its multi-role capabilities, serves functions such as air combat, ground and sea strikes, reconnaissance, and nuclear warhead delivery.
The order is expected to support over 7,000 jobs in more than 400 companies in France, according to Lecornu. Dassault CEO Eric Trappier emphasized the Rafale’s significance as an example of “military-industrial sovereignty,” positioning France uniquely in Europe.
The move comes as France collaborates with Germany and Spain to develop the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), intended to succeed the Rafale by 2040.
