View source for Dassault Rafale

{{short description|Multi-role combat aircraft family by Dassault}}
{{Redirect|Rafale|other uses|Rafale (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Good article}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
 |name = Rafale
 |image = File:Rafale_-_RIAT_2009_(3751416421).jpg
 |caption = A [[French Air Force]] Dassault Rafale B at [[RIAT]] in 2009
 |alt =
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
 |type = [[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole fighter]]
 |national origin = France
 |manufacturer = [[Dassault Aviation]]
 |designer =
 |first flight = Rafale A demo: {{start date|1986|7|4|df=yes}} <br />Rafale C: {{start date|1991|5|19|df=yes}}
 |introduced = {{start date|2001|5|18|df=yes}}<ref name="Operational_Rafale_HighBeam" />
 |retired =
 |status = In service
 |primary user = [[French Air and Space Force]]<!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on total number in service with their fleets. -->
 |more users = [[French Navy]] <br />[[Egyptian Air Force]] <br />[[Indian Air Force]]<!-- Limit is three (3) in 'more users' field, three (3) total users with primary user. Please separate with <br />. -->
 |produced = 1986–present
 |number built = 259 {{as of|2023|lc=on}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=RAFALE : Livraisons et coûts |url=https://omnirole-rafale.com/des-annees-80-a-nos-jours/le-rafale-en-chiffres/}}</ref>
 |developed from =
 |variants with their own articles =
}}
|}
The '''Dassault Rafale''' ({{IPA|fr|ʁafal}}, literally meaning "gust of wind",<ref name=":6">{{cite web |url=http://www.wordreference.com/fren/rafale |title=Rafale |work=WordReference |access-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126102536/http://www.wordreference.com/ren/rafale |archive-date=26 November 2015}}<br />{{cite web |url=http://www.wordreference.com/enfr/gust%20of%20wind |title=Gust of wind |work=WordReference |access-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126122440/http://www.wordreference.com/enfr/gust%20of%20wind |archive-date=26 November 2015}}</ref> or "burst of fire" in a more military sense)<ref>Langenscheidt Taschenwörterbuch Englisch-Französisch, p. 471.</ref> is a French [[Twinjet|twin-engine]], [[Canard (aeronautics)|canard]] [[delta wing]], [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole]] [[fighter aircraft]] designed and built by [[Dassault Aviation]]. Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform [[air supremacy]], [[Air interdiction|interdiction]], [[aerial reconnaissance]], [[close air support|ground support]], in-depth strike, [[anti-ship warfare|anti-ship strike]] and [[Nuclear warfare|nuclear deterrence]] missions. It is referred to as an "omnirole" [[4th generation fighter|4.5th generation]] aircraft by Dassault.

In the late 1970s, the [[French Air Force]] and [[French Navy]] sought to replace and consolidate their existing fleets of aircraft. In order to reduce development costs and boost prospective sales, France entered into an arrangement with the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain to produce an agile multi-purpose "Future European Fighter Aircraft" (which would become the [[Eurofighter Typhoon]]). Subsequent disagreements over workshare and differing requirements led France to pursue its own development programme. Dassault built a [[Prototype|technology demonstrator]] that first flew in July 1986 as part of an eight-year flight-test programme, paving the way for approval of the project.

The Rafale is distinct from other European fighters of its era in that it is almost entirely built by one country, involving most of France's major [[Arms industry|defence contractors]], such as [[Dassault Aviation|Dassault]], [[Thales Group|Thales]] and [[Safran]]. Many of the aircraft's avionics and features, such as [[direct voice input]], the [[RBE2#Further development|RBE2 AA]] [[active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) radar and the ''[[optronique secteur frontal]]'' [[infra-red search and track]] (IRST) sensor, were domestically developed and produced for the Rafale programme. Originally scheduled to enter service in 1996, the Rafale suffered significant delays due to post-[[Cold War]] budget cuts and changes in priorities. There are three main variants: Rafale C single-seat land-based version, Rafale B twin-seat land-based version, and Rafale M single-seat carrier-based version.

Introduced in 2001, the Rafale is being produced for both the French Air Force and for [[carrier-based aircraft|carrier-based]] operations in the French Navy.<ref name="Operational_Rafale_HighBeam" /> It has been marketed for export to several countries, and was selected for purchase by the [[Egyptian Air Force]], the [[Indian Air Force]], the [[Indian Navy]], the [[Qatar Air Force]], the [[Hellenic Air Force]], the [[Croatian Air Force]], the [[Indonesian Air Force]], the [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] and the [[Serbian Air Force]]. The Rafale is considered one of the most advanced and capable warplanes in the world,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weichert |first=Brandon J. |date=2024-05-12 |title=Dassault Rafale: The French Fighter Jet That Can Beat Air Force F-22 Raptors |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/dassault-rafale-french-fighter-jet-can-beat-air-force-f-22-raptors-210318 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=The National Interest |language=en}}</ref> and among the most successful internationally.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=Dassault's whirlwind of Rafale orders may be too much of a good thing |url=https://www.iiss.org/en/online-analysis/military-balance/2024/01/dassaults-whirlwind-of-rafale-orders-may-be-too-much-of-a-good-thing/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=IISS |language=en}}</ref> It has been used in combat over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria.
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==Development==
===Background===
In the mid-1970s, the [[French Air Force]] (''Armée de l'Air'') and [[French Navy]] (''Marine Nationale'') had separate requirements for a new generation of fighters to replace those in or about to enter service.<ref name="Williams p.92">Williams 2002, p. 92.</ref> Because their requirements were similar, and to reduce cost, both services issued a common request for proposal.<ref name="Rafale_backgd">{{cite web |url= http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/omnirole-by-design.html |title= Omnirole by design |publisher=Dassault Aviation |access-date=18 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130502082456/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/omnirole-by-design.html |archive-date= 2 May 2013}}</ref> In 1975, the country's Ministry of Aviation initiated studies for a new aircraft to complement the upcoming and smaller [[Dassault Mirage 2000]], with each aircraft optimized for differing roles.<ref name=":8">Fiszer 2005, pp. 40–41.</ref>

The Rafale aircraft development programme was the end product of efforts by various European countries for a common fighter aircraft. In 1979, Dassault-Breguet (later Dassault Aviation) joined the [[Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm|MBB]]/[[BAe]] "European Collaborative Fighter" project which was renamed the "European Combat Aircraft" (ECA).<ref>Buttler 2000, p. 134.</ref> The company contributed the aerodynamic layout of a prospective twin-engine, single-seat fighter; however, the project collapsed in 1981 due to differing operational requirements of each partner country.<ref name=Fiszer_p41>Fiszer 2005, p. 41.</ref> In 1983, the "Future European Fighter Aircraft" (FEFA) programme was initiated, bringing together France, Italy, Spain, West Germany and the United Kingdom to jointly develop a new fighter, although the latter three had their own aircraft developments.<ref name="Eden_p168">Eden et al. 2004, p. 168.</ref> French officials envisioned a lightweight, multirole aircraft that—in addition to fulfilling both air force and [[Carrier-based aircraft|naval roles]]—it was believed, would be attractive on the export fighter market. This was in contrast to the British requirement for a heavy long-range interceptor. France also demanded a lead role, with the commensurate technical and industrial primacy, whereas the other countries were accepting of a more egalitarian programme structure.<ref>Lorell and Hoffman 1989, p. 12.</ref>{{#tag:ref|Quote: "Dassault demands design leadership as the price for European co-operation."<ref>''Flight International'' December 1983, p. 1,509.</ref>|group=N}}

There was little common ground between France and the other members of this project, but by 1983, the five countries had agreed on a European Staff Target for a future fighter. Nevertheless, differences persisted, and so France withdrew from the multilateral talks in July 1985 to preserve the technological independence of its fighter aircraft industry. West Germany, the UK and Italy opted out and established a new European Fighter Aircraft (EFA) programme.<ref name="Williams p.92"/> In [[Turin]], on 2 August 1985, West Germany, the UK and Italy agreed to go ahead with the EFA, and confirmed that France, along with Spain, had chosen not to proceed as a member of the project.<ref>{{cite news |last= Lewis |first= Paul |title=3 European Countries plan Jet Fighter Project |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=3 August 1985 |page= 31 |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/03/business/3-european-countries-plan-jet-fighter-project.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120411102841/http://www.nytimes.com/1985/08/03/business/3-european-countries-plan-jet-fighter-project.html |archive-date=11 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Donne |first=Michael |title=Why three into one will go; Europe's new combat aircraft |newspaper= Financial Times|location=London |date= 3 August 1985}}</ref> Despite pressure from France, Spain rejoined the EFA project in early September 1985. The four-nation project eventually resulted in the [[Eurofighter Typhoon]]'s development.<ref>"Eurofighter: Spain joins the club." ''The Economist'', 17 September 1985, p. 68.</ref>

[[File: Rafale logo.svg|thumb|Rafale logo]]
In France, the government proceeded with its own programme. The [[Ministry of Defence (France)|Ministry of Defence]] required an aircraft capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground, [[Night fighter|all-day]] and adverse weather operations. As France was the sole developer of the Rafale's [[airframe]], [[avionics]], [[Jet engine|propulsion system]] and [[List of aircraft weapons|armament]], the resultant aircraft was to replace a multitude of aircraft in the [[French Armed Forces]]. The Rafale would perform roles previously filled by an assortment of specialised platforms, including the [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar]], [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirage F1C/CR/CT]], Mirage 2000C/-5/[[Dassault Mirage 2000N/2000D|N]] in the French Air Force, and the [[Vought F-8 Crusader|F-8P Crusader]], [[Dassault Étendard IV|Étendard IVP/M]] and [[Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard|Super Étendard]] in French Naval Aviation.<ref name="Williams p.92"/><ref>Sweetman 2002, p. 44.</ref>

===Demonstration===
At the same time as the multinational talks were occurring, Dassault-Breguet had been busy designing its ''Avion de Combat Experimental'' (ACX). During late 1978, prior to France's joining of the ECA, Dassault received contracts for the development of project ACT 92 (''Avion de Combat Tactique'', meaning "Tactical Combat Airplane"). The following year, the National Office for Aviation Studies and Research began studying the possible configurations of the new fighter under the codename ''Rapace'' ("Bird of Prey"). By March 1980, the number of configurations had been narrowed down to four, two of which had a combination of [[canard (aeronautics)|canards]], [[delta wing]]s and a single [[Vertical stabilizer|vertical tail-fin]].<ref name=Fiszer_p41/> The ACX project was given political impetus when the French government awarded a contract for two (later reduced to one) technology demonstrator aircraft on 13 April 1983. The government and industry would each provide half of the development cost, with first flight to take place in 1986.<ref>Lorell and Hoffman 1989, p. 14</ref> At the time, there was no guarantee that the effort would result in a full-scale development programme, and the aircraft remained a purely "proof-of concept" test vehicle. In an effort to harmonize design specifics with the requirements of other countries while collaboration talks were being held, Dassault sized the ACX aircraft in the 9.5 tonne range. After France decided to pull out of the multilateral talks, designers focused on a more compact size, as specified by the Air Force.<ref>Lenorovitz 1986, p. 79.</ref> The ACX programmed was renamed ''Rafale'' ("squall") in April 1985.<ref>Eden 2004, p. 169.</ref>

[[File:Dassault Rafale A at Farnborough 1986 (52084382048).jpg|thumb|left|The Dassault Rafale A technology demonstrator]]
Construction of the Rafale A (ACX) technology demonstrator started in 1984.<!--even before a contract was signed with the [[Direction générale de l'armement|DGA]], France's [[Military acquisition|defence procurement agency]].<ref name=Fiszer_p42>Fiszer 2005, p. 42.</ref>--> It had a length of {{Convert|15.8|m|ft|abbr=on}}, a wingspan of {{Convert|11|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and a {{Convert|9.5|t|lb|abbr=on|adj=on}} empty weight. The austere aircraft lacked in major subsystems, and had the minimal cockpit systems and a [[fly-by-wire]] [[Aircraft flight control system|flight control system]] for the validation of the design's basic airframe-engine layout. The company desired to use the Rafale A to continue the company approach of risk reduction through incremental improvement and to test the aerodynamically unstable delta wing-canard configuration.<ref>Lorell and Hoffman 1989, p. 18.</ref> The aircraft was Dassault's 92nd prototype in 40 years.<ref>Lorell and Hoffman 1989, p. 50.</ref> At the time of its construction, the aircraft had two {{Convert|68.8|kN|lbf|abbr=on|adj=on}} [[General Electric F404]] engines that were then in service with the F/A-18 Hornet, pending the availability of the [[Snecma M88]] [[turbofan engine]]s.<ref name=Fiszer_p42>Fiszer 2005, p. 42.</ref><ref name="Spick_2000_p433">Spick 2000, p. 433.</ref> It was rolled out in December 1985 at [[Saint-Cloud]], and on 4 July 1986, made its first flight from the company's Istres test facility in southern France, piloted by Guy Mitaux-Maurouard. During the one-hour flight, the aircraft reached an altitude of {{Convert|36000|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} and a speed of Mach 1.3.<ref>Sedbon July 1986, p. 4.</ref> The aircraft participated in the Farnborough air show the following month.

The aircraft participated in an intensive [[flight test]] programme that saw it simulate air force and naval operations. The test vehicle flew approaches to the carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Clemenceau|R98|2}}, and also tested for coordination with {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Foch|R99|2}}. By 1987, the aircraft had been flown by Air Force, Navy and CEV test pilots. Its port-side F404 engine was replaced with the {{Convert|72.9|kN|lbf|adj=on|abbr=on}} M88 in early 1990,<ref name=Fiszer_p42/> and the aircraft flew under the updated powerplant configuration in May 1990.<ref name="Williams p.92"/><ref name=FI_1991_p34>''Flight International'' 1991, p. 34.</ref> The aircraft thereafter attained a speed of Mach 1.4 without the use of [[Afterburner|engine reheat]], thereby demonstrating supercruise.<ref>Norris and Sedbon 1991, p. 35.</ref> The Rafale A was used until January 1994, and was retired after 867 sorties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.museeairespace.fr/aller-plus-haut/collections/dassault-prototype-rafale-a-f-zwre/|title=Dassault Prototype Rafale A|publisher=[[Musée de l'air et de l'espace|Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace]]|language=French|accessdate=26 April 2023}}</ref>

The early successful demonstration programme increased French industry and government confidence in the viability of a full-scale development programme for the Rafale. In June 1987, French prime minister [[Jacques Chirac]] declared that the government would proceed with the project. A contract for four pre-production aircraft (one Rafale C, two Rafale Ms and one Rafale B) was awarded on 21 April 1988 for a test and validation programme.<ref>{{cite news|author=Cody, Edward|title=France Decides to Build Own Advanced Warplane; Aircraft May Compete With Eurofighter |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=21 July 1987}}</ref><ref name=FI_1991_p34/> There was nevertheless government uncertainty in the programme, as it was expected to cost some Ffr120&nbsp;billion (1988 francs) in total development and procurement costs.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Davidson|first=Ian|title=Uncertainty Deepens Over Rafale Project|newspaper=Financial Times|location=London|date=23 September 1988}}</ref><ref>''Aviation Week & Space Technology'' 1986, p. 79.</ref> Prime minister Michel Rocard was concerned about the state of the project and the failure of the previous government to secure cooperation with other countries, but stated that, "It is inconceivable that we should not be able to build the weapons necessary for our independence".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Davidson|first=Ian|title=Rocard Concedes Rafale Project May Be in Doubt|newspaper=Financial Times|location=London|date=17 September 1988}}</ref> France had earlier entered unsuccessful talks with Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway, about the possible collaboration on the project.<ref>Sedbon January 1986, p. 11.</ref>

===Testing===
[[File:Dassault Rafale C, France - Air Force AN0947661.jpg|thumb|The Rafale C preproduction aircraft]]

To meet the various roles expected of the new aircraft, the Air Force required two variants: the single-seat Rafale C (''chasseur'', meaning "fighter") and the Rafale B (''biplace'', "two-seater"). Its first flight on 19 May 1991 occurred at the company's test facility in Istres. This signalled the start of a test programme which primarily aimed to test the M88-2 engines, [[User interface|man-machine interface]] and weapons, and expand the [[flight envelope]].<ref name="Eden_p169">Eden et al. 2004, p. 169.</ref> Due to budgetary constraints, the second single-seat prototype was never built.<ref>Williams 2002, pp. 92–93.</ref> The aircraft differed significantly from the Rafale A demonstrator. Although superficially similar to the heavier test vehicle, the aircraft was smaller, with a length of {{Convert|15.3|m|ft|abbr=on}} and a wingspan of {{Convert|10.9|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name=AW&ST_1990_p21>Lenorovitz 1990, p.21.</ref> It was less detectable by radar due to the canopy being gold-plated and the addition of radar-absorbent materials; Dassault had also removed the dedicated airbrake.<ref name="Williams p.93">Williams 2002, p. 93.</ref> The sole Rafale B two-seat preproduction aircraft, B01, made its first flight on 30 April 1993, and served as a platform for testing of weapons and fire-control systems, including the RBE2 radar and the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite.<ref name="Williams p.93"/>

The first of two Rafale M (''maritime'', "naval") prototypes, M01, made its maiden flight on 12 December 1991, followed by the second on 8 November 1993.<ref name=Eden_p169/> These aircraft differed from the air force variants in having reinforced structure to allow the aircraft to operate aboard ships, and provision for a tail hook and an in-built ladder, which increased the weight of the Rafale M by {{Convert|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}} over other production variants.<ref name="Williams 2002, pp. 94–95">Williams 2002, pp. 94–95.</ref> Since France has no land-based catapult test facility, catapult trials were carried out in mid-1992 and early 1993 at the [[United States Navy]] facility at [[Lakehurst Maxfield Field|NAS Lakehurst]], [[New Jersey]]. The aircraft then carried out shipboard trials aboard ''Foch'' in April 1993.<ref name="Williams p.95"/> The aircraft conducted landings and launches from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier ''[[French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle|Charles de Gaulle]]'' in July 1999. Testing showed that the aircraft had the ability to land with significant loads of unexpended ordnance.<ref name="Williams p.95"/>

===Production===
The Rafale B was initially expected to be just a trainer, but the [[Gulf War]] showed that a second crew member was invaluable on strike and [[Reconnaissance aircraft|reconnaissance]] missions. The Air Force therefore switched its preferences towards the two-seater, and planned that the variant would constitute 60 percent of the Rafale fleet.<ref name="Eden_p170">Eden et al. 2004, p. 170.</ref> The service originally planned to order 250 Rafales, later reduced to 234 aircraft, 95 "C" and 139 "B" models",<ref name="Williams p.108">Williams 2002, p. 108.</ref> and then to 212 aircraft.<ref name=Eden_p170/> The Navy originally planned to order 86 Rafales, which was reduced to 60 by to budget cuts,<ref name=Gaines_p80/><ref name=Eden_p170/> 25 M single-seaters and 35 two-seat Ns.<ref name="Williams p.108"/> The two-seater was later cancelled.

The ACX and subsequent production Rafale was designed in a "virtual" format. Dassault used the experience and technical expertise of its sister company [[Dassault Systèmes]], which had invented the [[CATIA]] (Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application) system, a three-dimensional [[computer-aided design]] and [[computer-aided manufacture]] (CAD/CAM) [[software suite]] that became standard across the industry.<ref name=Cook_p22>Cook 1997, p. 22.</ref> CATIA enabled digitization and efficiency improvements throughout the programme, as it implemented recently developed processes such as [[digital mockup]] and [[product data management]] (PDM). Engineers worked directly with computers in generating 3D models of the aircraft, and took advantage of the design software in facilitating machine-tool preparation. The system consisted of 15GB databases of each of the Rafale's components, assisting with various aspects of the design, manufacture and through-life support.<ref name=Cook_p22/> The computer-aided arrangement also simplified routine maintenance.

Production of the first aircraft series formally started in December 1992, but was suspended in November 1995 due to political and economic uncertainty, and resumed in January 1997 after the Ministry of Defence and Dassault agreed on a 48-aircraft (28 firm and 20 options) production run with delivery between 2002 and 2007.<ref name=Eden_p170/> A further order of 59&nbsp;F3 Rafales was announced in December 2004.<ref>{{cite news|author=Roosevelt, Ann|title=France orders more Dassault Rafale combat aircraft |work=Defense Daily |date=9 December 2004}}</ref> In November 2009 the French government ordered an additional 60 aircraft to take the total order for the French Air Force and Navy to 180.<ref name="Order180">{{cite news|author=Hoyle, Craig |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-approves-contract-for-60-more-rafales-334811/|title=France approves contract for 60 more Rafales|work=[[Flightglobal]] |date=13 November 2009|access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411202305/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-approves-contract-for-60-more-rafales-334811/ |archive-date=11 April 2013}}</ref>

[[File:A Rafale Marine of the French navy lands during flight operations aboard USS George H.W. Bush. (41385978054).jpg|thumb|A French Navy Rafale M landing aboard {{USS|George H.W. Bush}}]]
The Rafale is manufactured almost entirely in France, except for some imported non-sensitive components.<ref name="Sites_and_production_shares">{{cite journal|author=Meddah, Hassan |url=http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/le-rafale-chasseur-made-in-france-aux-7-000-emplois.N164502|title=Le Rafale, chasseur "Made in France" aux 7 000 emplois|language=fr|date=31 January 2012|journal=[[L'Usine nouvelle]]|access-date=30 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204155311/http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/le-rafale-chasseur-made-in-france-aux-7-000-emplois.N164502 |archive-date=4 February 2012}}</ref> Different components are produced in various plants across the country, including the fuselage in Paris, wings in Martignas, and fins in Biarritz, with final assembly taking place in Merignac near Bordeaux.<ref>Svitak and Bruneau 2015, p. 60.</ref><!--For example, the [[flight control surfaces]] are fabricated in [[Haute-Savoie]], the wings and avionics in Gironde, the centre fuselage in [[Val-d'Oise]], and the engines in [[Essonne]].--> Dassault carries out 60% of the work, its partner [[Thales Group|Thales]] 25%, and its other partner [[Safran]] 15%.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tran|first=Pierre|title=Dassault Wins; Can It Seal the Deal?|work=Defense News|date=6 February 2012}}</ref> The three companies rely on a network of 500 subcontractors, many of which are [[small and medium enterprises]], providing work for 7,000 direct and indirect employees.<ref name="Sites_and_production_shares"/> {{As of|2012}}, each fighter took 24 months to manufacture, with an annual production rate of eleven aircraft.<ref name=Sites_and_production_shares/>
The Rafale was originally planned to enter service in 1995. The aircraft's development proceeded on time, on budget, and without major difficulties. However, the project needed to compete with other defense acquisition programmes for a dwindling national defense budget.<ref name=AW&ST_1990_p21/> This occurred in a political environment in which the chief security threat, the Soviet Union, no longer existed. The French government consequently reduced Rafale orders, which Dassault and other companies involved claimed impeded production management and led to higher costs, and delayed the entry of the aircraft into service.<ref>''Flight International'' 1994, p. 27.</ref><ref>Sparaco 1996, p. 29.</ref> At one stage, French naval authorities investigated the possibility of acquiring used F/A-18s to replace the obsolete F-8 for its carriers,<ref>{{cite news |title= France to test F/A-18 on carrier this fall|work=Defense Daily|date=7 July 1989}}</ref> but the French government intended an all-Rafale fleet, and did not go ahead with the plan. Deliveries of the Rafale M were subsequently given a high priority to replace the Navy's aged F-8 fighters. In the words of a naval official, "Although we lost the battle for the F/A-18s, I guess you could say that we had at least some success by 'persuading' the government to give us initial delivery priority".<ref name=AW&ST_1990_p21/> The first production Rafale B took its first flight on 24 November 1998,<ref name=Fiszer_p44/> followed by the first Rafale M for the French Navy on 7 July 1999.<ref>{{cite news|title=French naval plane makes maiden flight|agency=Agence France-Presse|date=7 July 1999}}</ref>

===Upgrades and replacement===
The Rafale has been designed with an open software architecture that facilitates straightforward upgrades. Dassault and its industry partners have therefore undertaken continuous tests and development primarily aimed at progressively improving the aircraft's sensors and avionics, and to allow additional armament integration. In 2011, upgrades under consideration included a software radio and satellite link, a new laser-targeting pod, smaller bombs and enhancements to the aircraft's data-fusion capacity.<ref>{{cite web |last =Tran |first= Pierre |url =http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110613/DEFFEAT06/106130316/Libya-Extends-Rafale-s-Combat-Experience |archive-url =https://archive.today/20120731080855/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20110613/DEFFEAT06/106130316/Libya-Extends-Rafale-s-Combat-Experience |url-status=dead |archive-date =31 July 2012|title=Libya Extends Rafale's Combat Experience|work= Defense News|date=13 June 2011|access-date=15 January 2013}}</ref> In July 2012, fleetwide upgrades of the Rafale's battlefield communications and interoperability capabilities commenced.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.defpro.com/news/details/37588/?SID=804fe9887bcea2c313845666269e83fb |title=Extensive French Rafale Upgrade Programme Begins|newspaper=Def pro |date=18 July 2012|access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231005640/http://www.defpro.com/news/details/37588 |archive-date=31 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= Ruello |first= Alain |language= fr |url= http://www.lesechos.fr/entreprises-secteurs/air-defense/actu/0202799266091-jean-pierre-devaux-le-rafale-restera-au-meilleur-niveau-technologique-jusqu-en-2050-576241.php |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130621012816/http://www.lesechos.fr/entreprises-secteurs/air-defense/actu/0202799266091-jean-pierre-devaux-le-rafale-restera-au-meilleur-niveau-technologique-jusqu-en-2050-576241.php |url-status=dead |archive-date= 21 June 2013 |title= Le Rafale restera au meilleur niveau technologique jusqu'en 2050 |trans-title=The Rafale will continue at the best technical level until 2050 |work= [[Les Échos (France)|Les Échos]] |date= 17 June 2013 |access-date= 19 October 2013}}</ref>

At one stage, French officials were reportedly considering equipping the Rafale to launch [[miniaturized satellite|miniaturised satellites]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/aviation/press/in-the-air/in-the-air-2008/rafale-satellite-launcher-study.html |title=Rafale, satellite launcher study |publisher= Dassault Aviation|date=3 November 2008|access-date=19 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227152626/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/aviation/press/in-the-air/in-the-air-2008/rafale-satellite-launcher-study.html |archive-date=27 December 2008}}</ref>

In January 2014, the defence ministry announced that funds had been allocated towards the development of the F3R standard. The standard includes the integration of the Meteor BVR missile, among other weapons and software updates.<ref>{{cite web |last=Perry |first= Dominic |title=France approves latest Rafale upgrade plan |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-approves-latest-rafale-upgrade-plan-394734/ |work= [[Flightglobal]] |date=10 January 2014 |access-date= 18 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140114010927/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/france-approves-latest-rafale-upgrade-plan-394734/ |archive-date=14 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last= Tran |first= Pierre |url= http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140110/DEFREG01/301100018/France-Upgrade-Rafale-Arms-Electronics |archive-url= https://archive.today/20140118044537/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140110/DEFREG01/301100018/France-Upgrade-Rafale-Arms-Electronics |url-status=dead |archive-date= 18 January 2014 |title=France To Upgrade Rafale Arms, Electronics |work=Defense News |date=10 January 2014 |access-date =18 January 2014}}</ref> The standard was validated in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/rafale-f3-r-standard-qualified-dga/ |title=Rafale F3-R standard qualified by the DGA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228125335/https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/rafale-f3-r-standard-qualified-dga/ |archive-date=2019-02-28 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Development work started on the F4 standard in 2019.<ref name=F4_standard/> The design received radar and sensor upgrades that facilitate the detection of airborne stealth targets at long range, as well as improved capabilities in the helmet-mounted display. With improved communications equipment, it is also more effective in network-centric warfare. Flight tests were conducted starting in 2021 and the first F4-standard aircraft was delivered in 2023.<ref name=F4_standard>{{Cite news|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2023/03/07/french-air-force-receives-first-of-upgraded-rafale-f4-fighter-aircraft/|title=French Air Force receives first of upgraded Rafale F4 fighter aircraft|date=8 March 2023|work=Defense News|accessdate=28 April 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Exclu : premier appontage d'un Rafale F4 sur le Charles-de-Gaulle |url=https://www.air-cosmos.com/article/exclu-premier-appontage-dun-rafale-f4-sur-le-charles-de-gaulle-25662|access-date=2021-12-28|website=Air et Cosmos|date=10 December 2021 }}</ref> Previous aircraft will be upgraded to the standard, with a further 30 aircraft to be ordered in 2023.<ref name=F4_standard/>

The total programme cost, as of FY2013, was around €45.9&nbsp;billion,<ref name=Francebudget2013>{{cite web |url=http://www.senat.fr/rap/a13-158-8/a13-158-814.html |title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2014 : Défense : équipement des forces et excellence technologique des industries de défense |language=fr |publisher=Senate of France |date=21 November 2013 |access-date=2 July 2014 |quote=Avant prise en compte du projet de LPM, le coût total du programme pour l'Etat était de 45,9 Mds €2013. Le coût unitaire (hors coût de développement) de 74 M€2013 pour le Rafale B (pour 110 avions) de 68,8 M€2013 pour le Rafale C (pour 118 avions) et de 79 M€2011 pour le Rafale M (pour 58 avions)." <br />'''Translated:''' Before taking into account the draft Trademark Law, the total cost of the programme for the state was €45.9 billion 2013. Unit cost (excluding development costs) of €74M 2013 for the Rafale B (110 aircraft) €68.8M 2013 for the Rafale C (for 118 aircraft) and €79M 2011 for the Rafale M (58 aircraft). |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326001026/http://www.senat.fr/rap/a13-158-8/a13-158-814.html |archive-date=26 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> which translated to a unit programme cost of approximately €160.5&nbsp;million. This figure takes in account improved hardware of the F3 standard, and which includes development costs over a period of 40 years, including inflation.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/les-senateurs-reevaluent-le-prix-du-rafale.N164290 |title=Les sénateurs réévaluent le prix du Rafale|journal=L'Usine Nouvelle|language=fr|date=5 December 2011|access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318200605/http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/les-senateurs-reevaluent-le-prix-du-rafale.N164290 |archive-date=18 March 2013|last1=Nouvelle|first1=L'Usine}}</ref> The unit [[Flyaway cost|flyaway price]] {{as of|2010|lc=on}} was €101.1&nbsp;million for the F3+ version.<ref name="fighter_costs">{{cite web |url= http://www.ccomptes.fr/fr/CC/documents/RPA/1_conduite-des-programmes-armement.pdf |title= Rapport public annuel 2010: la conduite des programmes d'armement |trans-title=Annual public report 2010: the management of the arms programs |language= fr |place= [[France|FR]] |work= C comptes |date= 8 January 2012 |access-date=11 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120130003146/http://www.ccomptes.fr/fr/CC/documents/RPA/1_conduite-des-programmes-armement.pdf |archive-date=30 January 2012}}</ref>

The Rafale is planned to be the French Air and Space Force's primary combat aircraft until at least 2040.<ref name="OpAir">{{cite web |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/optimized-airframe.html?L=1|title=Optimized airframe |publisher=Dassault Aviation|access-date=13 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091206042026/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/optimized-airframe.html?L=1 |archive-date=6 December 2009}}</ref> In 2018, Dassault announced the successor to the Rafale as the [[New Generation Fighter]]. This fighter aircraft, under development by [[Dassault Aviation]] and [[Airbus Defence and Space]], is to replace France's Rafale, Germany's Eurofighter Typhoon, and Spain's F/A-18 Hornet in the 2030–2040 timeframe.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/25279/eurofighter-consortium-2-0-takes-shape-as-spain-set-to-join-franco-german-stealth-jet-program|title=Eurofighter Consortium 2.0 Takes Shape As Spain Set To Join Franco-German Stealth Jet Program|first=Joseph|last=Trevithick|website=The Drive|date=4 December 2018 |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229171611/http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/25279/eurofighter-consortium-2-0-takes-shape-as-spain-set-to-join-franco-german-stealth-jet-program |archive-date=29 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Design==

===Overview===
The Rafale was developed as a modern jet fighter with a very high level of agility; Dassault chose to combine a delta wing with [[Canard (aeronautics)#Close coupling|active close-coupled canard]] to maximize manoeuvrability. The aircraft is capable of withstanding from −3.6 ''g'' to 9 ''g'' (10.5 ''g'' on Rafale solo display and a maximum of 11''g'' can be reached in case of emergency<ref name="AIRFAN431">{{cite book |page=31 |title= Rafale, Chasseur omnirôle |last1=Grolleau |first1=Henri-Pierre |date=1 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="Defencenews">{{cite web |url= http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=323 |title=France is sending not one but two Rafale fighters to the Aero India 2011 airshow which is to be held in Bangalore |place= IN |work=Defence News|date= 25 January 2011|access-date= 5 January 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131017084238/http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=323 |archive-date=17 October 2013}}</ref>). The Rafale is an [[relaxed stability|aerodynamically unstable]] aircraft and uses [[Fly-by-wire#Digital systems|digital fly-by-wire]] flight controls to artificially enforce and maintain stability.<ref name="Defencenews"/>{{#tag:ref|Quote: "Longitudinal stability is moderately negative with a full fly-by-wire digital control system. The system is quadruple redundant with three digital channels and one separately designed analog channel. Design independence between channels is pivotal in preventing fatal flaws simultaneously affecting several channels due to software misconceptions."<ref name="rafale june 2005"/>|group=N}} The aircraft's canards also act to reduce the minimum landing speed to {{convert|115|kn|lk=in}}; while in flight, airspeeds as low as {{convert|15|kn}} have been observed during training missions.<ref name="Defencenews"/> According to simulations by Dassault, the Rafale has sufficient low speed performance to operate from [[STOBAR]]-configured aircraft carriers, and can take off using a ski-jump with no modifications.<ref>{{cite web |language= fr |url=http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/le-rafale-marine-compatible-avec-les-porte-avions-dotes-de-tremplin|title=Le Rafale Marine compatible avec les porte-avions dotés de tremplin|trans-title=The Marine Rafale compatible with the catapult equipped aircraft carriers |work=Mer et Marine|date=25 June 2012 |access-date =15 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121021040621/http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/le-rafale-marine-compatible-avec-les-porte-avions-dotes-de-tremplin |archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref>

The Rafale M features a greatly reinforced [[Landing gear|undercarriage]] to cope with the additional stresses of naval landings, an [[Tailhook|arrestor hook]], and "jump strut" nosewheel, which only extends during short takeoffs, including [[Aircraft catapult|catapult]] launches.<ref name=Eden_p169/> It also features a built-in ladder, carrier-based [[microwave landing system]], and the new fin-tip Telemir system for syncing the [[inertial navigation system]] to external equipment.<ref name="Williams p.94">Williams 2002, p. 94.</ref> Altogether, the naval modifications of the Rafale M increase its weight by {{convert|500|kg|sigfig=2}} compared to other variants.<ref name="Williams p.95">Williams 2002, p. 95.</ref> The Rafale M retains about 95 percent [[commonality]] with Air Force variants including,<ref>Forsberg 1994, p. 213.</ref> although unusual for carrier-based aircraft, being unable to fold its multi-spar wings to reduce storage space. The size constraints were offset by the introduction of {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle|R91|2}}, France's first [[Nuclear marine propulsion|nuclear-powered carrier]], which was considerably larger than previous carriers, ''Foch'' and ''Clemenceau''.<ref name="Williams p.94"/>

Although not a full-aspect [[stealth aircraft]], the cost of which was viewed as unacceptably excessive, the Rafale was designed for a reduced [[radar cross-section]] (RCS) and [[infrared signature]].<ref name="richardson 114-5">Richardson 2001, pp. 114–115.</ref><ref name="Forsberg 215">Forsberg 1994, p. 215.</ref> In order to reduce the RCS, changes from the initial technology demonstrator include a reduction in the size of the tail-fin, fuselage reshaping, repositioning of the engine [[intake|air inlets]] underneath the aircraft's wing, and the extensive use of [[composite material]]s and [[Serration|serrated]] patterns for the construction of the trailing edges of the wings and canards.<ref name= OpAir /><ref name="richardson 114-5"/> Seventy percent of the Rafale's surface area is composite.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/a-fully-optimized-airframe/ |title=A fully optimized airframe |publisher=Dassault Aviation |access-date=29 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115093532/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/a-fully-optimized-airframe/ |archive-date=15 November 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Many of the features designed to reduce the Rafale's visibility to threats remain classified.<ref name="rafale june 2005" />

===Cockpit===
The Rafale's [[glass cockpit]] was designed around the principle of [[data fusion]]—a central computer selects and prioritises information to display to pilots for simpler command and control.<ref>{{cite web |quote= Implementation of the "multi-sensor data fusion" into the Rafale translates into accurate, reliable and strong tracks, uncluttered displays, reduced pilot workload, quicker pilot response, and eventually into increased [[situational awareness]]. |url= http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/power-of-multisensor-data-fusion.html |title= The sheer power of multisensor data fusion |publisher= Dassault Aviation |access-date= 20 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130522193935/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/power-of-multisensor-data-fusion.html |archive-date= 22 May 2013}}</ref> For displaying information gathered from a range of sensors across the aircraft, the cockpit features a wide-angle holographic [[head-up display]] (HUD) system, two head-down [[Flat panel display|flat-panel]] colour [[multi-function display]]s (MFDs) as well as a central [[Collimator sight|collimated]] display. These displays have been strategically placed to minimise pilot distraction from the external environment.<ref>Jarrett 2005, pp. 144–45.</ref> Some displays feature a [[touch interface]] for ease of [[human–computer interaction]] (HCI).<ref>Fiszer 2005, p. 43.</ref> A [[head-mounted display]] (HMD) remains to be integrated to take full advantage of its MICA missiles.<ref name="Collins"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/frances-rafale-05991/ |title=France's Rafale |date=18 October 2016 |work=Defense Industry Daily |access-date=31 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113062350/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/frances-rafale-05991/ |archive-date=13 November 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DID Rafale">{{cite web |title=Historique de la mise en service du Rafale |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/fr/defense/rafale/historique-de-la-mise-en-service-du-rafale/# |access-date=2024-02-06 |work=Dassault Aviation |language=fr}}</ref> The cockpit is fully compatible with [[Night vision device|night vision goggles]] (NVG).<ref name="Collins" /> The primary flight controls are arranged in a [[HOTAS|hands-on-throttle-and-stick]] (HOTAS)-compatible configuration, with a right-handed [[side-stick]] controller and a left-handed throttle.<ref name="Collins"/> The seat is inclined rearwards at an angle of 29° to improve [[g-force]] tolerance during manoeuvring and to provide a less restricted external pilot view.<ref>Jarrett 2005, p. 56.</ref>

[[File:Dassault Rafale DSC04183.JPG|thumb|left|Forward section of Rafale on display at the [[Paris Air Show]], 2005]]
Great emphasis has been placed on pilot workload minimisation across all operations.<ref name="rafale june 2005" /> Among the features of the highly digitised cockpit is an integrated [[direct voice input]] (DVI) system, allowing a range of aircraft functions to be controlled by spoken voice commands, simplifying the pilot's access to many of the controls.<ref name="Collins">{{cite journal |last =Collins |first= Peter |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-dassault-rafale-rampant-rafale-334383/ |title=Flight Test: Dassault Rafale – Rampant Rafale|journal=[[Flight International]]|volume=176|issue=5214|date=10–16 November 2009|access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120101020128/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/flight-test-dassault-rafale-rampant-rafale-334383/ |pages=74–78, 81|archive-date=1 January 2012}}</ref> Developed by {{Interlanguage link|Crouzet Automatismes|lt=Crouzet|fr|Crouzet (brand)}}, the DVI is capable of managing radio communications and [[Active protection system|countermeasures]] systems, the selection of armament and radar modes, and controlling navigational functions.{{cn|date=September 2024}} For safety reasons, generally DVI is deliberately not employed for safety-critical elements of the aircraft's operation, such as the final release of weapons.<ref>Jarrett 2005, pp. 270–71.</ref>

In the area of [[Life support (aviation)|life support]], the Rafale is fitted with a [[Martin-Baker]] Mark 16F "zero-zero" [[ejection seat]], capable of operation at zero speed and zero altitude. An on-board [[oxygen generating system]], developed by [[Air Liquide]], eliminates the need to carry bulky oxygen canisters.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airliquide.com/en/space-aeronautics-embarked-systems/equipment-16/obogs-1.html|title=OBOGS|work=Air Liquide|access-date=5 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019130524/http://www.airliquide.com/en/space-aeronautics-embarked-systems/equipment-16/obogs-1.html |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Rafale's flight computer has been programmed to counteract pilot disorientation and to employ automatic recovery of the aircraft during negative flight conditions.<!-- Clarification can be found under "Safety Features"--> The [[auto-pilot]] and [[autothrottle]] controls are also integrated, and are activated by switches located on the primary flight controls.<ref name="Collins" /> An intelligent [[flight suit]] worn by the pilot is automatically controlled by the aircraft to counteract in response to calculated g-forces.<ref>''New Scientist'' 1986, p. 33.</ref>

===Avionics and equipment===
The Rafale core avionics systems employ an [[integrated modular avionics]] (IMA), called MDPU (modular data processing unit). This architecture hosts all the main aircraft functions such as the [[flight management system]], data fusion, [[Fire-control system|fire control]], and the man-machine interface.<ref name="rafale june 2005">{{cite web |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/presse/Backgrounders/RAFALE_EN.doc|title=Rafale |publisher=Dassault Aviation|date=12 June 2005|access-date=15 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204095221/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/presse/Backgrounders/RAFALE_EN.doc |archive-date=4 December 2007}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Quote: "The core of the enhanced capabilities of the RAFALE lies in a new Modular Data Processing Unit (MDPU). It is composed of up to 18 flight line-replaceable modules, each with a processing power 50 times higher than that of the 2084 XRI-type computer fitted on the early versions of Mirage 2000-5."<ref name="rafale june 2005"/>|group=N}} The total value of the radar, electronic communications and self-protection equipment is about 30 percent of the cost of the entire aircraft.<ref name="Paris Air Show">{{cite web|author=Hoyle, Craig |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-air-show-rafales-fighting-chance-327206/|title=Paris Air Show: Rafale's fighting chance|work=Flight Daily News|date=10 June 2009|access-date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411202313/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/paris-air-show-rafales-fighting-chance-327206/ |archive-date=11 April 2013}}</ref> The IMA has since been installed upon several upgraded Mirage 2000 fighters,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/one-careful-owner-why-mirage-sale-might-be-no-illusion.html |title= One careful owner – why Mirage sale might be no illusion |work= Arabian Aerospace |date= 29 April 2010 |access-date=12 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509182115/http://www.arabianaerospace.aero/one-careful-owner-why-mirage-sale-might-be-no-illusion.html |archive-date=9 May 2013}}</ref> and incorporated into the civilian airliner, the [[Airbus A380]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Thomas, Geoffrey |url=http://atwonline.com/operations/a380-first-delivery|title=A380 First Delivery|newspaper=Air Transport World|date=1 October 2007|access-date=19 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619235447/http://atwonline.com/operations/a380-first-delivery |archive-date=19 June 2013}}</ref> According to Dassault, the IMA greatly assists combat operations via data fusion, the continuous integration and analysis of the various sensor systems throughout the aircraft, and has been designed for the incorporation of new systems and avionics throughout the Rafale's service life.<ref name="rafale june 2005"/>

[[File:RafaleSpectra.png|thumb|Annotated diagram of [[Thales SPECTRA|SPECTRA]]'s elements]]
The Rafale features an integrated [[Defensive aids system|defensive-aids system]] named [[Thales SPECTRA|SPECTRA]], which protects the aircraft against airborne and ground threats, developed as a joint venture between Thales and [[MBDA]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/spectra_ds.pdf |title=SPECTRA integrated self-protection system for the Rafale |work=MBDA |access-date=5 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417041201/http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/files/spectra_ds.pdf |archive-date=17 April 2012}}</ref> Various methods of detection, [[Radar jamming and deception|jamming]], and [[Flare (countermeasure)|decoying]] have been incorporated, and the system has been designed to be highly reprogrammable for addressing new threats and incorporating additional sub-systems in the future.<ref>Chaltiel, Pierre-Yves; Trouche, Jean-Marie; Bernard-Guelle, Christian. ''SPECTRA – Protection and avoidance system for the Rafale fighter aircraft fire control'', "Nouvelle Revue d'Aeronautique et d'Astronautique." January–February 1997. pp. 23–33.</ref>{{#tag:ref|Quote: "SPECTRA provides all-weather reliable long-range detection, identification and location of threats, short response times and cutting-edge defensive measures based on combinations of jamming, decoying and evasive manoeuvres and on state-of-the-art technologies such as DRFM (Digital Radio Frequency Memory) [[signal processing]]."<ref name="rafale june 2005"/>|group=N}} Operations over Libya were greatly assisted by SPECTRA, allowing Rafales to perform missions independently from the support of dedicated [[Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses|Suppression of Enemy Air Defences]] (SEAD) platforms.<ref name="Dummies">{{cite web|author=de Briganti, Giovanni |url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/feature/125860/rafale-in-combat:-"war-for-dummies".html|title=Rafale in Combat: 'War for Dummies'|work=Defense-aerospace|date=31 May 2011|access-date=5 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114030618/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/feature/125860/rafale-in-combat:-%E2%80%9Cwar-for-dummies%E2%80%9D.html |archive-date=14 January 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Rafale's ground attack capability is heavily reliant upon sensory targeting pods,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://week.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/theWeekContent.do?sectionName=Current+Events&contentId=5930830&programId=1073754900&pageTypeId=1073754893&contentType=EDITORIAL|title=Jet, set, go!|work=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]|date=16 April 2011|access-date=16 April 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019135204/http://week.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/theWeekContent.do?sectionName=Current+Events&contentId=5930830&programId=1073754900&pageTypeId=1073754893&contentType=EDITORIAL |archive-date= 19 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> such as [[Thales Optronics]]'s Reco New Generation/Areos reconnaissance pod and [[Thales Damocles|Damocles]] electro-optical/laser [[Targeting pods|designation pod]].<ref name="Paris Air Show"/> Together, these systems provide targeting information, enable tactical reconnaissance missions, and are integrated with the Rafale's IMA architecture to provide analysed data feeds to friendly units and ground stations, as well as to the pilot.<ref name="avitod jul 2011">{{cite web |first= Jean-Michel |last= Guhl |url= http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/issue/cover/Rafale-in-Combat_73661.html |title= Rafale in Combat |work= Avionics |date= 1 July 2011 |access-date=21 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302215838/http://www.aviationtoday.com/av/issue/cover/Rafale-in-Combat_73661.html |archive-date=2 March 2012}}</ref> Damocles provides targeting information to the various armaments carried by the Rafale and is directly integrated with the Rafale's [[VHF Data Link|VHF]]/[[Ultra high frequency|UHF]] secure radio to communicate target information with other aircraft. It also performs other key functions such as aerial optical surveillance and is integrated with the navigation system as a [[FLIR]].<ref name="avitod jul 2011"/>

The Damocles designation pod was described as "lacking competitiveness" when compared to rivals such as the Sniper and [[LITENING]] pods;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131123/DEFREG01/311230010/French-Boost-R-D-Across-Multiple-Programs |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20131125230242/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131123/DEFREG01/311230010/French-Boost-R-D-Across-Multiple-Programs |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 November 2013 |title=French To Boost R&D Across Multiple Programs |last1=Tran |first1=Pierre |date=23 November 2013 |work=Defense News |access-date=25 November 2013}}</ref> so work began on an upgraded pod, designated Damocles XF, with additional sensors and added ability to transmit live video feeds.<ref>{{cite web |author=Hoyle, Craig |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/thales-outlines-sensor-enhancements-for-rafale-326767/ |title=Thales outlines sensor enhancements for Rafale|work=[[Flightglobal]] |date=20 May 2009 |access-date=12 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013175448/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/thales-outlines-sensor-enhancements-for-rafale-326767/ |archive-date=13 October 2012}}</ref> A new Thales targeting pod, the Talios, was officially unveiled at the 2014 Farnborough Air Show<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/20140718_3_207113734_014_ihs_janes_defence_weekly.pdf|title=Farnborough 2014: Thales debuts Talios pod|work=IHS Janes 360|date=17 July 2014|access-date=26 November 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151126103515/https://www.thalesgroup.com/sites/default/files/asset/document/20140718_3_207113734_014_ihs_janes_defence_weekly.pdf |archive-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and is expected to be integrated on the Rafale by 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/52090/thales-secures-first-export-contract-for-talios-targeting-pod |title=Thales secures first export contract for TALIOS targeting pod – IHS Jane's 360 |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date=8 June 2015 |access-date=29 October 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151226181130/http://www.janes.com/article/52090/thales-secures-first-export-contract-for-talios-targeting-pod |archive-date=26 December 2015}}</ref> Thales' Areos reconnaissance pod is an all-weather, night-and-day-capable reconnaissance system employed on the Rafale, and provides a significantly improved reconnaissance capability over preceding platforms.<ref name="FoxThree14">{{cite journal |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/Defence/Rafale/Fox_Three_N_14_UK2.pdf |title=Nowhere to hide |journal=Fox Three |publisher=Rafale International |volume=14 |date=December 2009 |page=12 |access-date=18 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130525194407/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/Defence/Rafale/Fox_Three_N_14_UK2.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2013}}</ref>{{#tag:ref|Quote: "According to DGA, Areos provides day identification capabilities that are two-and-a-half times better than those of the Mirage F1CR's Presto "wet-film" system and 8 times better than those of the legacy SDS250 photo pod of the Super-Étendard."<ref name="avitod jul 2011"/>|group=N}} Areos has been designed to perform reconnaissance under various mission profiles and condition, using multiple day/night sensors and its own independent communications datalinks.<ref name="avitod jul 2011"/>

===Radar and sensors===
[[File:Rafale-080521-N-2984R-066.jpg|thumb|The [[Optronique secteur frontal|OSF]] is visible above the [[nose cone]], below the windscreen and to the side of the [[Aerial refueling|refueling probe]]]]

The Rafale was first outfitted with the Thales [[RBE2]] [[passive electronically scanned array|passive electronically scanned multi-mode radar]]. Thales claims to have achieved increased levels of situational awareness as compared to earlier aircraft through the earlier detection and tracking of multiple air targets for close combat and long-range interception, as well as real-time generation of three-dimensional maps for [[terrain-following radar|terrain-following]] and the real-time generation of [[Synthetic aperture radar|high resolution ground maps]] for navigation and targeting.<ref name="smart discreet">{{cite web |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/smart-and-discrete-sensors.html?L=1|title=Smart and discrete sensors |publisher=Dassault Aviation|access-date=15 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202130518/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/smart-and-discrete-sensors.html?L=1 |archive-date=2 February 2012}}</ref> In early 1994, it was reported that technical difficulties with the radar had delayed the Rafale's development by six months.<ref name="Forsberg 215"/> In September 2006, ''[[Flight International]]'' reported the Rafale's unit cost had significantly increased due to additional development work to improve the RBE2's detection range.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/fighter-improvements-follow-singapore-defeat-205047/|title=Fighter improvements follow Singapore defeat|newspaper=Flight Daily News|date=23 February 2006|access-date=21 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013175440/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/fighter-improvements-follow-singapore-defeat-205047/ |archive-date=13 October 2012}}</ref>

The [[RBE2#Further development|RBE2 AA]] [[active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) radar now replaces the previous passively scanned RBE2. The RBE2 AA is reported to deliver a greater detection range of 200&nbsp;km,<ref name="AIRFAN432">{{cite book |page=9 |title= L'antenne ACTIVE dans l'aero |last1=Grolleau |first1=Henri-Pierre |date=1 November 2014}}</ref> improved reliability and reduced maintenance demands over the preceding radar.<ref name="fg oct 2012"/> A Rafale demonstrator began test flights in 2002 and has totaled 100 flight hours {{as of|2011|12|lc=on}}. By December 2009, production of the pre-series RBE2 AA radars was underway.<ref name="FoxThree14"/> In early October 2012, the first Rafale equipped with an RBE2 AA radar arrived at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base for operational service (the development was described by Thales and Dassault as "on time and on budget").<ref name="fg oct 2012">{{cite web|author=Hoyle, Craig |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-france-accepts-first-aesa-equipped-rafale-377216/|title=PICTURE: France accepts first AESA-equipped Rafale|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=2 October 2012|access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007075747/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-france-accepts-first-aesa-equipped-rafale-377216/ |archive-date=7 October 2012}}</ref> By early 2014, the first Air Force front-line squadron were supposed to receive Rafales equipped with the AESA radar, following the French Navy which was slated to receive AESA-equipped Rafales starting in 2013.<ref name="FoxThree16">{{cite journal |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/Defence/Rafale/FOXTHREE_16.pdf|title=Enter the AESA and the METEOR|journal=Fox Three |publisher=Rafale International|volume=16|date=November 2011|page=3|access-date=18 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525233623/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/Defence/Rafale/FOXTHREE_16.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2013}}</ref>

To enable the Rafale to perform in the air supremacy role, it includes several passive sensor systems. The front-sector electro-optical system or [[Optronique secteur frontal|Optronique Secteur Frontal]] (OSF), developed by Thales, is completely integrated within the aircraft and can operate both in the visible and [[Infra-red search and track|infrared]] wavelengths.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aviation-francaise.com/Bourget07-06.htm|title=L'optronique secteur frontal (L'OSF)|language=fr|work=Aviation-francaise.com|date=5 January 2012|access-date=11 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426072257/http://www.aviation-francaise.com/Bourget07-06.htm |archive-date=26 April 2012}}</ref> The OSF enables the deployment of infrared missiles such as the [[MICA (missile)|MICA]] at [[beyond visual range]] distances; it can also be used for detecting and identifying airborne targets, as well as those on the ground and at sea.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ffaa.net/aircraft/rafale/caracteristiques.htm|title=Caractéristiques du Rafale M|language=fr|work=French Fleet Air Arm|access-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201025908/http://www.ffaa.net/aircraft/rafale/caracteristiques.htm |archive-date=1 February 2011}}</ref> Dassault describes the OSF as being immune to jamming and capable of providing covert long-range surveillance.<ref name="smart discreet"/> In 2012, an improved version of the OSF was deployed operationally.<ref name="fg oct 2012"/>

===Armament and standards===
Initial deliveries of the Rafale M were to the ''F1'' ("France 1") standard, which were equipped for the air-to-air interceptor combat duties, but lacked any armament for air-to-ground operations. The F1 standard became operational in 2004.<ref name=Squadrons /><ref name="Wertheim">Wertheim 2007, pp. 202–203.</ref> Later deliveries were to the "F2" standard, which added the capability for conducting air-to-ground operations; the first F2 standard Rafale M was delivered to the French Navy in May 2006.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/Defence/Rafale/foxThree_n11.pdf|title=Into combat with the Navy|journal=Fox Three|volume=11|date=June 2007 |publisher=Rafale International|page=12|access-date=18 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526003833/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/Defence/Rafale/foxThree_n11.pdf |archive-date=26 May 2013}}</ref> Starting in 2008 onwards, Rafale deliveries have been to the nuclear-capable F3 standard that also added reconnaissance with the Areos reconnaissance pod,<ref name=Squadrons /> and it has been reported that all aircraft built to the earlier F1 and F2 standards are to be upgraded to become F3s.<ref name="Collins"/><ref name="DID Rafale"/>

[[File:Dassault Rafale weaponry DSC04186.JPG|thumb|left|The Rafale's weapons]]
F3 standard Rafales are capable of undertaking many different mission roles with a range of equipment, namely air defence/superiority missions with Mica IR and EM air-to-air missiles, and precision ground attacks typically using [[Storm Shadow|SCALP EG]] cruise missiles and [[Armement Air-Sol Modulaire|AASM]] Hammer air-to-surface missiles. In addition, anti-shipping missions could be carried out using the AM39 [[Exocet]] [[sea skimming]] missile, while reconnaissance flights would use a combination of onboard and external pod-based sensor equipment. Furthermore, the aircraft could conduct nuclear strikes when armed with [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée|ASMP-A]] missiles.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf|title=French Ministry of Defence orders a further 59 Rafale fighters|journal=Fox Three|year=2005|volume=8|page=3|access-date=18 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525192408/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2013}}</ref> In 2010, France ordered 200 [[Meteor (missile)|MBDA Meteor]] [[beyond-visual-range missile]]s which greatly increases the distance at which the Rafale can engage aerial targets.<ref name="fox three">{{cite journal |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/08/Fox_Three_N_14_UK2.pdf|title=Rafale, the omnirole fighter|journal=Fox Three|date=December 2009|issue=14 |publisher=Rafale International|access-date=5 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024124544/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/08/Fox_Three_N_14_UK2.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first= Craig |last= Hoyle |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-rafale-clears-meteor-safe-separation-test-377798/ |title= PICTURES: Rafale clears Meteor safe separation test |work= [[Flightglobal]] |date= 18 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023091520/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-rafale-clears-meteor-safe-separation-test-377798/ |archive-date=23 October 2012}}</ref>

The F4 standard program was launched on 20 March 2017 by the French ministry of defence.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Rafale : vers le standard F4 |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/fr/groupe/presse/press-kits/rafale-vers-standard-f4/|access-date=2021-11-24|website=Dassault Aviation|language=French |date= 22 March 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413071132/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fr/dassault-aviation/presse/press-kits/rafale-vers-standard-f4/ |archive-date=13 April 2017}}</ref> The first F4.1 standard test aircraft was delivered in March 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Latest-Generation Rafale Fighter Enters French Air Force Service |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2023-03-07/latest-generation-rafale-fighter-enters-french-air-force-service#:~:text=The%20F4%20standard%20focuses%20on,Combat%20Air%20System%20(FCAS). |website=AIN Online |date=7 March 2023}}</ref>

For compatibility with armaments of varying types and origins, the Rafale's onboard store management system is compliant with [[MIL-STD-1760]], an electrical interface between an aircraft and its carriage stores, thereby simplifying the incorporation of many of their existing weapons and equipment.<ref name="rafale june 2005"/> The Rafale is typically outfitted with 14 [[hardpoint]]s (only 13 on Rafale M version), five of which are suitable for heavy armament or equipment such as auxiliary fuel tanks, and has a maximum external load capacity of nine tons. In addition to the above equipment, the Rafale carries the 30&nbsp;mm [[GIAT 30]] revolver cannon and can be outfitted with a range of laser-guided bombs and ground-attack munitions.<ref name="rafale june 2005"/> According to Dassault, the Rafale's onboard mission systems enable ground attack and air-to-air combat operations to be carried out within a single sortie, with many functions capable of simultaneous execution in conjunction with another, increasing survivability and versatility.<ref name="rafale june 2005"/>

===Engines===
{{Main|Snecma M88}}
[[File:Salon du Bourget 20090619 045.jpg|thumb|Closeup of the rear of the airframe and the two engine nozzles]]

The Rafale is fitted with two Snecma M88 engines, each capable of providing up to {{convert|50|kN|lbf|abbr=off}} of [[dry thrust]] and {{convert|75|kN|abbr=on}} with afterburners. The engines feature several advances, including a non-polluting{{clarify|date=June 2021}} combustion chamber, single-crystal turbine blades, [[powder metallurgy]] disks, and technology to reduce radar and infrared signatures.<ref name="rafale june 2005"/> The M88 enables the Rafale to supercruise while carrying four missiles and one drop tank.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf|title=Air defense mission for flotille F12|journal=Fox Three |publisher=Rafale International|volume=8|year=2005|page=8|access-date=30 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071122095016/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf |archive-date=22 November 2007}}</ref><ref name="M88AIAA">{{cite book|editor1=Desclaux, Jacques |editor2=Serre, Jacques |chapter=M88 – 2 E4: Advanced New Generation Engine for Rafale Multirole Fighter|title=AIAA/ICAS International Air and Space Symposium and Exposition: The Next 100 Years|location=Dayton, Ohio |publisher=American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics|date=14–17 July 2003|isbn=978-1-56347-601-3}}</ref>

Qualification of the M88-2 engine ended in 1996 and the first production engine was delivered by the end of the year.<ref name="M88 1999"/> Due to delays in engine production, the Rafale A demonstrator was initially powered by the General Electric F404 engine.<ref name="Williams p.92"/><ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/08/stories/2007020806220500.htm |title= Kaveri: Safran ready to invest 50 p.c. of cost |date= 8 February 2007 |access-date=15 January 2013 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012090931/http://hindu.com/2007/02/08/stories/2007020806220500.htm|newspaper= [[The Hindu]] |archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref> In May 2010, a Rafale flew for the first time with the M88-4E engine, an upgraded variant with lower maintenance requirements than the preceding M88-2.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defencetalk.com/rafale-fighter-flies-with-upgraded-m88-4e-engine-26198/|title=Rafale Fighter Flies with Upgraded M88-4E Engine|work=Defense Talk|date=7 May 2010|access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012011420/http://www.defencetalk.com/rafale-fighter-flies-with-upgraded-m88-4e-engine-26198/ |archive-date=12 October 2013}}</ref> The engine is of a [[Modularity|modular]] design for ease of construction and maintenance and to enable older engines to be retrofitted with improved subsections upon availability, such as existing M88-2s being upgraded to M88-4E standard.<ref name="M88 1999">{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/snecma-m88-51979/ |title= Snecma M88 |work= [[Flightglobal]] |date= 9 June 1999 |access-date=12 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131020012652/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/snecma-m88-51979/ |archive-date= 20 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> There has been interest in more powerful M88 engines by potential export customers, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE).<ref>{{cite news |first= Andrea |last= Rothman |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aFrH_eB2JC7w&refer=home |title= Safran Says It's Working on New Rafale Jet Engines for U.A.E. |publisher= Bloomberg L.P. |date= 28 May 2011 |access-date=11 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131023181827/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aFrH_eB2JC7w&refer=home |archive-date= 23 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2007}}, a [[thrust vectoring]] variant of the engine designated as M88-3D was also under development.<ref name="Wertheim"/>

==Operational history==

===France===

====French Naval Aviation====
[[File:Rafale Theodore Roosevelt02.jpg|thumb|Rafale Ms aboard {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71}} in 2008]]

In December 2000, the [[French Naval Aviation]] (''Aéronavale''), the air arm of the French Navy, received its first two Rafale M fighters. On 18 May the following year, the squadron ''[[French Naval Aviation#Units|Flottille 12F]]'', which had previously operated the [[F-8 Crusader]], became the first squadron to operate the Rafale after it was officially re-activated prior to the delivery of the sixth Rafale.<ref name="Operational_Rafale_HighBeam">{{cite journal|title=The first Rafales join the French Navy |journal=Interavia Business & Technology |publisher=Aerospace Media Publishing |pages=20–21|date=1 July 2001}}</ref> ''Flottille 12F'' immediately participated in ''Trident d'Or'' aboard the [[Aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle|aircraft carrier ''Charles de Gaulle'']] with warships from ten other nations. During the [[Military exercise|maritime exercise]], the Navy tested the Rafale's avionics during simulated interceptions with various foreign aircraft, in addition to carrier take-offs and landings.<ref name=Operational_Rafale_HighBeam/><ref name="Early_operations">{{cite journal |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_3.pdf|title=Rafale: Multinational Success|journal=Fox Three |publisher=Rafale International|volume=3|date=December 2001|page=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526010342/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_3.pdf |archive-date=26 May 2013}}</ref> After almost four years of training, the Rafale M was declared operational with the French Navy in June 2004.<ref name="Rafale_early_ops">{{cite news|title=Rafale fighters take off from French air force |agency=Associated Press|date=27 June 2006}}</ref>

The Rafale M is fully compatible with [[United States Navy]] aircraft carriers and some French Navy pilots have qualified to fly the aircraft from US Navy flight decks.<ref>{{cite press release|last=Suits|first=John |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=38585|title=French Sailors Experience Flight Operations Aboard Roosevelt |publisher=United States Navy|date=22 July 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131104113512/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=38585 |archive-date= 4 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 June 2010, during an exercise on {{USS|Harry S. Truman}}, a French Rafale became the first jet fighter of a foreign navy to have its engine replaced on board an American aircraft carrier.<ref>{{cite web|author=Cerezo, Katharine |url=http://www.defpro.com/news/details/15820/|title=French Squadron Performs Jet Engine Swap-Out on Board Truman|work=Defpro.com|date=8 June 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120615075759/http://www.defpro.com/news/details/15820/ |archive-date= 15 June 2012 |url-status=unfit}}</ref>

In 2002, the Rafales were first deployed to a combat zone; seven Rafale Ms embarked aboard ''Charles de Gaulle'' of the French Navy during "[[Mission Héraclès]]", the French participation in "[[Operation Enduring Freedom]]". They flew from the aircraft carrier over Afghanistan, but the F1 standard precluded air-to-ground missions and the Rafale did not see any action. In March 2002, the aircraft carrier was stationed in the [[Gulf of Oman]], where its complement of Rafales undertook training operations.<ref name="MacKenzie_p36">MacKenzie 2002, p. 36.</ref> In June 2002, while ''Charles de Gaulle'' was in the Arabian Sea, Rafales conducted several patrols near the India-Pakistan border.<ref>Fiszer 2005, p. 50.</ref><ref name="JED report">"En Garde!" ''Journal of Electronic Defense''. August 2002.</ref>

In 2016, Rafales operating from ''Charles de Gaulle'' struck targets associated with the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (IS).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/17/middleeast/france-nuclear-carrier-mosul-iraq-isis/index.html|title=On board the French nuclear carrier battling ISIS|first=Fred|last=Pleitgen|date=17 October 2016 |publisher=CNN|access-date=17 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017114441/http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/17/middleeast/france-nuclear-carrier-mosul-iraq-isis/index.html |archive-date=17 October 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2015, American and French military officials reportedly discussed the possibility of French naval Rafale Ms flying combat missions from a US Navy {{sclass|Nimitz|aircraft carrier|2}} as soon as January 2017. This would enable continued French Navy operations against ISIL while ''Charles de Gaulle'' undergoes its year-and-a-half-long major refit, scheduled to begin in early 2017. Although Rafales have launched and landed on U.S. carriers to demonstrate interoperability, it would be the first time they would fly combat missions from one. As many as 18 Rafale Ms could be deployed on a carrier, although some room would have to be made for French Navy support crews familiar with maintaining the Rafale, as well as for spare parts and munitions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3384|title=French Navy Rafale M Fighters May Conduct Combat Missions From a US Navy CVN in 2017|work=Navyrecognition.com|date=21 December 2015|access-date=28 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225153435/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3384 |archive-date=25 December 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Operation Chesapeake, a test of this interoperability, was conducted in May 2018, when 12 Rafales of Flottilles 11F, 12F, and [[Flottille 17F|17F]], along with nearly 350 support personnel embarked aboard [[USS George H.W. Bush|USS ''George H.W. Bush'']] for two weeks of carrier qualifications and exercises after conducting a month of shore based training at [[Naval Air Station Oceana]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2018/03/27/french-aircrews-ready-to-train-in-norfolk|title=French aircrews ready to train in Norfolk|date=27 March 2018}} ''Navy Times''. Retrieved 10 May 2018.</ref>

====French Air and Space Force====
[[File:Rafale-IMG 1408.jpg|thumb|left|Formation of five Rafales making a flypast in 2006]]

In April 2005, the Air Force received its first three F2 standard Rafale Bs at the ''[[Centre d'Expériences Aériennes Militaires]]'' (CEAM, i.e. the Military Air Experiment Centre) at [[Mont-de-Marsan]], where they were tasked to undertake operational evaluation and pilot conversion training.<ref name=Fiszer_p44>Fiszer 2005, p. 44.</ref> By this time, it was expected that [[01.007 Fighter Squadron "Provence"|''Escadron de Chasse'' (Fighter Squadron) ''1/7'']] at Saint-Dizier would receive a nucleus of 8–10 Rafale F2s during the summer of 2006, in preparation for full operational service (with robust air-to-air and stand off air-to-ground precision attack capabilities) starting from mid-2007 (when ''EC 1/7'' would have about 20 aircraft, 15 two-seaters and five single-seaters).<ref name=Rafale_early_ops/><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf|title=French Air Force Omnirole Fighters Enter Service|journal=Fox Three |publisher=Rafale International|volume=8|year=2005|page=4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525192408/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf |archive-date=25 May 2013}}</ref>

In 2007, a "crash program" upgrade on six Rafales enabled the use of laser-guided bombs in readiness for action in Afghanistan. Three of these aircraft of the Air Force were deployed to [[Dushanbe]] in Tajikistan, while the three others were ''Rafale Marine'' of the Navy on board ''Charles De Gaulle''.<ref name="Figaro">{{cite news |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/20070315.FIG000000217_paris_engage_des_rafale_en_afghanistan.html|title=Paris engage des Rafale en Afghanistan |language=fr |newspaper=[[Le Figaro]]|date=15 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070317202100/http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/20070315.FIG000000217_paris_engage_des_rafale_en_afghanistan.html |archive-date=17 March 2007}}</ref> The first mission occurred on 12 March 2007, and the first [[GBU-12]] was launched on 28 March in support of embattled Dutch troops in Southern Afghanistan, marking the operational début of the Rafale.<ref>{{cite news|title=Le Rafale, bon pour le bombardement|language=fr|newspaper=[[Midi Libre]]|date=2 March 2007}}</ref> Between January 2009 and December 2011, a minimum of three Rafales were stationed at [[Kandahar International Airport]] to conduct operations in support of NATO ground forces.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2011/12/01/97001-20111201FILWWW00562-afghanistan-3-rafale-francais-retires.php |title= Afghanistan : 3 Rafale français retirés |date= 1 December 2011 |language=fr|work= [[Le Figaro]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204012911/http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2011/12/01/97001-20111201FILWWW00562-afghanistan-3-rafale-francais-retires.php |archive-date=4 December 2011}}</ref>

On 19 March 2011, French Rafales began conducting reconnaissance and [[Strike (attack)|strike]] missions over Libya in [[Opération Harmattan]], in support of [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973]]; initial targets were artillery pieces laying siege around the rebel city of [[Benghazi]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12795971|title=French military jets over Libya|publisher=BBC News|date=19 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110320125209/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12795971 |archive-date=20 March 2011}}</ref> The Rafale could operate in Libya without the support of SEAD aircraft, using the onboard SPECTRA self-defence system instead.<ref name="Dummies"/> On 24 March 2011, it was reported that a Rafale had destroyed a [[Libyan Air Force (1951–2011)|Libyan Air Force]] [[Soko G-2 Galeb|G-2/Galeb]] light attack/trainer aircraft on the runway.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12850975|title=French fighter shoots down Libyan jet|publisher=BBC News|date=24 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326085302/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12850975 |archive-date=26 March 2011}}</ref> During the deployment, Rafale destroyed multiple SAM systems of Libyan military using its geolocation feature and with a mix of different ammunition. Unlike other allied aircraft, the Rafale did not require any dedicated EW/EA aircraft for escort.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/india/from-libya-to-mali-operation-history-of-battle-hardened-rafale#read-more#read-more |title=Libya to Syria: Operational History of 'Battle-Hardened' Rafale |date=28 July 2020}}</ref>

Rafales typically conducted six-hour sorties over Libyan airspace, armed with four MICA air-to-air missiles, four or six AASM "Hammer" bombs, a Thales Damoclès targeting pod and two drop tanks.<ref name="Dummies"/> Each sortie needed multiple aerial refuelling operations from coalition tanker aircraft.<ref name="flightglobal">{{cite web |author= Craig Hoyle |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/frances-rafale-fighter-proves-its-omnirole-skills-357687/|title=France's Rafale fighter proves its omnirole skills|work=[[Flightglobal]] |date=14 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930011123/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/frances-rafale-fighter-proves-its-omnirole-skills-357687/ |archive-date=30 September 2011}}</ref> The AASM precision-guidance weapon system allowed the Rafale to conduct high-altitude bombing missions using bombs weighing between {{convert|125|and|1000|kg|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}.<ref name="flightglobal"/> Reportedly, Rafale crews preferred to use GPS-guided munitions with greater reliability and range. SCALP weapons were deployed on only one or two sorties, such as against a Libyan [[airbase at Al-Jufra]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Eshel, Tamir |url=http://defense-update.com/20111012_france-spent-over-1000-bombs-and-missiles-in-the-7-month-libyan-campaign.html |title=France Spent Over 1,000 Bombs and Missiles in the 7 Month Libyan Campaign|work=Defense Update |date=12 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013130846/http://defense-update.com/20111012_france-spent-over-1000-bombs-and-missiles-in-the-7-month-libyan-campaign.html |archive-date=13 October 2011}}</ref> In 2011, aviation journalist Craig Hoyle speculated that the Rafale's Libyan performance is likely to impact export sales, noting that the Rafale had maintained a high operational rate throughout. Hoyle also noted that the conflict had led to several urgent operational requirements, including a lighter ground-attack munition and AASM modifications for [[close air support]].<ref name="flightglobal"/>

[[File:A French air force Rafale aircraft breaks formation after refueling from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 351st Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron (EARS) over an undisclosed 130317-F-BY961-185.jpg|thumb|A French Air Force Rafale B during [[Operation Serval]] in Mali, 2013]]
In January 2013, the Rafale took part in "[[Opération Serval]]", the French military intervention in [[Mali War|support to the government of Mali]] against the [[Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21002918 |title=France Rafale jets target Gao in eastern Mali |publisher=BBC News |date=13 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115001028/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21002918 |archive-date=15 January 2013}}</ref> The first mission was carried out on 13 January, when four Rafales took off from an airbase in France to strike rebel training camps, depots and facilities in the city of [[Gao]] in eastern Mali.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/01/13/260292.html |title=Algeria grants airspace to French jets for raids in Mali |newspaper=Al Arabiya News |date=13 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102180741/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2013/01/13/260292.html |archive-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=14 January 2013}}</ref> Subsequent airstrikes in the following days by Rafale and Mirage fighters were reportedly instrumental in the withdrawal of Islamist militant forces from [[Timbuktu]] and [[Douentza]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/islamists-flee-french-airstrikes-in-mali/story-e6frg6so-1226554413181 |title= Islamists flee French airstrikes in Mali |newspaper=The Australian |date= 15 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140319010955/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/islamists-flee-french-airstrikes-in-mali/story-e6frg6so-1226554413181 |archive-date= 19 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> Both Rafale and [[Mirage 2000D]] aircraft used in the conflict have been based outside of North Africa, making use of aerial refuelling tanker aircraft to fly long range sorties across Algerian airspace and into Mali.<ref>{{cite news |first= James |last= Blitz |url= http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d5e7f224-63f2-11e2-84d8-00144feab49a.html#axzz2Ii01uZkm |title= France and US bicker over fuel |work= Financial Times|location=London |date= 21 January 2013 |url-access=subscription |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130126034826/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d5e7f224-63f2-11e2-84d8-00144feab49a.html |archive-date= 26 January 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In August 2013, it was proposed that France may halve the number of Rafales to be delivered over the next six years for a total of 26 aircraft to be delivered during this period; foreign export procurements have been viewed as critical to maintain production under this proposal. While production would be slowed, France would still receive the same number of Rafales overall.<ref>{{cite web|author=Rahir, Patrick |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130802/DEFREG01/308020007/France-Cut-Rafale-Order-Betting-Exports |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130804055858/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130802/DEFREG01/308020007/France-Cut-Rafale-Order-Betting-Exports |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 August 2013|title=France To Cut Rafale Order; Betting on Exports|work=Defense News|date=2 August 2013|access-date=28 August 2013}}</ref>

In September 2014, Rafales started reconnaissance missions over Iraq for [[Opération Chammal]], France's contribution to the international effort to combat IS militants. Six Rafales were initially tasked with identifying IS positions in support of [[2014 military intervention against ISIS|US airstrikes]], flying from [[Al Dhafra Air Base]], UAE.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2014/09/15/01003-20140915ARTFIG00075-premiers-vols-francais-de-reconnaissance-en-irak.php |title=Premiers vols français de reconnaissance en Irak |language=fr |newspaper=[[Le Figaro]] |date=15 September 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004025602/http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2014/09/15/01003-20140915ARTFIG00075-premiers-vols-francais-de-reconnaissance-en-irak.php |archive-date=4 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141001/DEFREG04/310010041/France-Deploy-More-Fighter-Jets-Warship-Islamic-State-Fight |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141004152521/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141001/DEFREG04/310010041/France-Deploy-More-Fighter-Jets-Warship-Islamic-State-Fight |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 October 2014 |title=France To Deploy More Fighter Jets, Warship in Islamic State Fight |newspaper=Defense News |date=1 October 2014|access-date=7 October 2014}}</ref> On 18 September, Rafales joined American attack operations, launching four strikes near the Northern Iraqi town of [[Zummar]] that destroyed a logistics depot and killed dozens of IS fighters.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |url=http://www.janes.com/article/43451/french-rafale-jets-strike-is-in-iraq |title=French Rafale jets strike IS in Iraq |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date=19 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921024655/http://www.janes.com/article/43451/french-rafale-jets-strike-is-in-iraq |archive-date=21 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Keaten |first=Jamey |url=http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140919/NEWS08/309190061/France-strikes-depot-Iraq |title=France strikes IS depot in Iraq |work=Military Times |date=19 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919124928/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140919/NEWS08/309190061/France-strikes-depot-Iraq |archive-date=19 September 2014}}</ref> In April 2018, during the [[Syrian Civil War]], five Rafale Bs from the [[Escadron de Chasse 1/4 Gascogne]] participated in the [[2018 missile strikes against Syria]]. Each was loaded with two [[SCALP EG]] missiles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/14/politics/syria-airstrikes-weapons-used-intl/index.html|title=Weapons the US, UK and France used to target Syria|first=Brad |last=Lendon |date=14 April 2018 |publisher=CNN|access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414172449/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/04/14/politics/syria-airstrikes-weapons-used-intl/index.html |archive-date=14 April 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> French Air and Space Force Rafales were deployed to help blunt the [[April 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel|Iranian attack against Israel]] on 13 April 2024 by shooting down an unspecified number of unmanned aerial vehicles. The Rafales, based in Jordan, were operating in Iraqi and Syrian airspace as part of [[Opération Chammal]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20240415-france-intercepted-iranian-drones-during-attack-on-israel-calls-for-restraint | title=France intercepted Iranian drones during attack on Israel | date=15 April 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/french-rafale-fighters-neutralize-iranian-drones#:~:text=French%20Rafale%20fighters%20scramble%20to%20neutralize%20Iranian%20drones%20over%20Jordan&text=French%20Rafale%20fighters%20scrambled%20to,missiles%20and%20drones%20against%20Israel. | title=French Rafale fighters scramble to neutralize Iranian drones | date=15 April 2024 }}</ref>

===Egypt===
In November 2014, Egypt was reportedly in negotiations with France to purchase 24 to 36 Rafales, subject to a financing and weapons package agreement.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/20141016tribc7ee06519/exportation-d-armes-3-4-l-egypte-la-divine-surprise-en-2014.html |title=Exportation d'armes (3/4) : l'Egypte, la divine surprise en 2014 |work=La Tribune |language=fr |last=Cabirol |first=Michel |date=16 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111030948/http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/20141016tribc7ee06519/exportation-d-armes-3-4-l-egypte-la-divine-surprise-en-2014.html |archive-date=11 November 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> By February 2015, the two countries were negotiating a loan from France's export credit agency to reach an export agreement for up to 24 Rafales. The condition for Egypt to buy the 12 additional fighters was to get [[SCALP-EG]] missiles, this was compromised by the [[International Traffic in Arms Regulations|US]] blocking the deal.<ref>{{cite web |date=2018-09-07 |title=Réglementation ITAR : la France veut réduire sa dépendance aux Etats-Unis |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/reglementation-itar-la-france-veut-reduire-sa-dependance-aux-composants-americains-789612.html |access-date=2024-01-23 |website=La Tribune |language=fr}}</ref> Egypt aimed for the deal's quick completion as to have them on display at the inauguration of the [[New Suez Canal|Suez Canal expansion]] in August 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bruneau|first=Caroline |url=http://aviationweek.com/blog/egypt-possible-first-export-customer-french-rafale |title=Egypt Is Possible First Export Customer For French Rafale|work=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |date=6 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207010410/http://aviationweek.com/blog/egypt-possible-first-export-customer-french-rafale |archive-date=7 February 2015}}</ref>

On 16 February 2015, Egypt became the Rafale's first international customer when it officially ordered 24 Rafales,<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/exportation-du-rafale-les-inquietudes-de-l-armee-de-l-air-482410.html |work= La Tribune |title= Exportation du Rafale : les inquiétudes de l'armée de l'air |date= 9 June 2015 |language= fr |archive-url= https://archive.today/20150615182756/http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/exportation-du-rafale-les-inquietudes-de-l-armee-de-l-air-482410.html |archive-date= 15 June 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> as part of a larger deal, including a [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]] and missiles, worth US$5.9&nbsp;billion (€5.2&nbsp;billion).<ref>{{cite web |last=Lert |first=Frédéric |url=http://www.janes.com/article/49025/egypt-officially-signs-for-24-rafales-fremm-frigate-and-missiles|title=Egypt officially signs for 24 Rafales, FREMM frigate, and missiles|date=16 February 2015|work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218001612/http://www.janes.com/article/49025/egypt-officially-signs-for-24-rafales-fremm-frigate-and-missiles |archive-date=18 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=F24>{{cite news |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20150216-france-egypt-sign-deal-sale-rafale-fighter-jets/|title=Egypt, France to conclude €5.2 billion deal for Rafale jets |publisher=[[France 24]]|date=16 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216200821/http://www.france24.com/en/20150216-france-egypt-sign-deal-sale-rafale-fighter-jets/ |archive-date=16 February 2015}}</ref> The order comprised 8 single-seat models and 16 two-seaters. In July 2015, a ceremony marking Egypt's acceptance of its first three Rafales, was held at Dassault's flight test center in [[Istres]].<ref name="dassault-aviation1">{{cite press release |url= http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/dassault-aviation/press/press-kits/dassault-aviation-delivers-first-rafales-to-the-arab-republic-of-egypt/ |publisher= Dassault Aviation |title= Dassault Aviation delivers first Rafales to the Arab Republic of Egypt |date= 20 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721214925/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/dassault-aviation/press/press-kits/dassault-aviation-delivers-first-rafales-to-the-arab-republic-of-egypt/ |archive-date=21 July 2015}}</ref> In January 2016, Egypt received three more Rafales.<ref name="defenseworld.net">{{cite news |url= http://www.defenseworld.net/news/15188/Egypt_Receives_Three_More_Rafale_Fighters_From_France#.VqoUdvl97IU |website= defenseworld.net |title= Egypt Receives Three More Rafale Fighters From France|access-date= 28 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160205073049/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/15188/Egypt_Receives_Three_More_Rafale_Fighters_From_France#.VqoUdvl97IU |archive-date= 5 February 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> All six aircraft are two-seat models (Rafale DM) diverted from French Air Force deliveries.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hoyle|first=Craig |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rafale-exports-take-off-with-egyptian-delivery-414800/ |title=Rafale exports take off with Egyptian delivery|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=20 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119064448/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rafale-exports-take-off-with-egyptian-delivery-414800/ |archive-date=19 November 2015}}</ref> Egypt received the third batch of three Rafales flown by Egyptian pilots from France in April 2017; this was included the first single-seat model (Rafale EM) to be delivered to the [[Egyptian Air Force]].<ref name="auto">{{cite news |url= http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/262360/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-receives-third-batch-of-Rafale-fighter-jets-.aspx |work= ahram.org.eg |title= Egypt receives third batch of Rafale fighter jets from France |date= 5 April 2017|access-date= 5 April 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170405182257/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/262360/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-receives-third-batch-of-Rafale-fighter-jets-.aspx |archive-date= 5 April 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Egypt took delivery of the fourth batch of two Rafale EMs in July 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/274281/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-receives-fourth-batch-of-Rafale-fighter-jets.aspx|title=Egypt receives fourth batch of Rafale fighter jets from France|date=26 July 2017|newspaper=Ahram Online |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728042416/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/274281/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-receives-fourth-batch-of-Rafale-fighter-jets.aspx |archive-date=28 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The fifth batch, comprising the last 3 Rafale EMs, was delivered in November 2017, increasing the number in service to 14 Rafales.<ref name="defenceweb.co.za">{{cite news |url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50062:egypt-takes-delivery-of-additional-rafales-looks-to-acquire-more&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107|title=Egypt takes delivery of additional Rafales; looks to acquire more|date=1 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208070740/http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50062:egypt-takes-delivery-of-additional-rafales-looks-to-acquire-more&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107 |archive-date=8 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2016, Egypt begun negotiations with Dassault to acquire 12 additional Rafales, intending to exercise an option of the first contract.<ref>{{cite news |first=Michel |last=Cabirol |url=http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/et-si-l-egypte-achetait-12-rafale-de-plus-en-2016-579182.html |title=Et si l'Egypte achetait 12 Rafale de plus en 2016 |newspaper=La Tribune |language=fr |date=15 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616181112/http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/et-si-l-egypte-achetait-12-rafale-de-plus-en-2016-579182.html |archive-date=16 June 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/16395/Egyptian_Additional_12_Rafale_Order_May_Delay_Indian_Deliveries_Further#.V3KcI7h97IU|title=Egyptian Additional 12 Rafale Order May Delay Indian Deliveries Further|work=defenseworld.net|access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930174612/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/16395/Egyptian_Additional_12_Rafale_Order_May_Delay_Indian_Deliveries_Further#.V3KcI7h97IU |archive-date=30 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> An Egyptian delegation visited France in November 2017 for negotiations.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/douze-nouveaux-rafale-a-l-egypte-bercy-ne-bloque-plus-les-negociations-758088.html|title=Douze nouveaux Rafale à l'Egypte|date=16 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208070715/https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/douze-nouveaux-rafale-a-l-egypte-bercy-ne-bloque-plus-les-negociations-758088.html |archive-date=8 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2021, Egypt ordered 30 more Rafales in a contract worth $4.5bn after France achieved making the SCALP EG missile [[ITAR|ITAR-free]] by replacing the US-made parts with French-made components.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/france-sell-30-rafale-fighter-jets-egypt-investigative-website-2021-05-03/|title=France to sell Egypt 30 fighter jets in $4.5 bln deal -Egyptian defense ministry, report|date=3 May 2021|work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mackenzie |first=Christina |title=Egypt bumps up its Rafale fleet by 30 new planes |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2021/05/04/egypt-bumps-up-its-rafale-fleet-by-30-new-planes/ |date=2021-05-04 |website=Defense News |access-date=2021-05-04}}</ref> On 15 November 2021, Egypt confirmed that it will receive 30 Rafale F3R between 2024 and 2026.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}} The Egyptian Air Force is interested in buying the Rafale F4 variant once Dassault prepares it for foreign buyers.<ref>{{cite web|website=Breaking Defense|date=2021-05-19|title=Egyptian Deal For Rafale Fighters Boosts Data Sharing |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2021/05/egyptian-deal-for-rafale-fighters-boosts-data-sharing/}}</ref>

Analysts view the relatively quick series of 84<ref name="aw2015-05-13">{{cite news |first=Bill |last=Sweetman |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/opinion-saab-and-dassault-strengthen-their-fighter-market-positions |title=Opinion: Saab And Dassault Strengthen Their Fighter-Market Positions |work=[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]] |date=13 May 2015 |access-date=13 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513215417/http://aviationweek.com/defense/opinion-saab-and-dassault-strengthen-their-fighter-market-positions |archive-date=13 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> orders from Egypt and Qatar as being influenced by the [[Arab Spring]] and uncertainty of US involvement in the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2015/05/10/fighter-surge-kuwait-qatar-egypt-india-rafale-hornet/26977289/ |title=Surge in Jet Purchases Reshuffles Market |date=10 May 2015 |work=Defense News |access-date=14 May 2015}}</ref>

===Qatar===
[[File:QA217 - Dassault Rafale - Qatar Air Force (47734694781).jpg|thumb|Qatari Rafale at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport in 2019]]

The [[Qatar Emiri Air Force]] evaluated the Rafale alongside the [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]], the [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle|Boeing F-15E]], the Eurofighter Typhoon and the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II]] to replace its [[Dassault Mirage 2000#Mirage 2000-5F|Dassault Mirage 2000-5]] fleet. In June 2014, Dassault claimed it was close to signing a contract with Qatar for 72 Rafales.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Fouquet, Helene |author2=Rothman, Andrea |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-19/dassault-said-to-close-in-on-rafale-jet-contract-to-lift-exports.html |title=Dassault Said to Close in on Rafale Contract to Lift Exports |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=20 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006104933/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-19/dassault-said-to-close-in-on-rafale-jet-contract-to-lift-exports.html |archive-date=6 October 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 April 2015, [[Sheikh]] [[Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani]] announced to French President [[François Hollande]] that Qatar would order 24 Rafale with an option to buy 12 more aircraft.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|last1=Irish |first1=John |first2=Cyril |last2=Altmeyer |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/france-qatar-rafale-idUSL5N0XR2QJ20150430|title=Update 3-France and Qatar seal $7 bln Rafale fighter jet deal|date=30 April 2015 |work=Reuters}}</ref> On 4 May, a €6.3&nbsp;billion ($7.02&nbsp;billion) contract for 24 Rafales was finalised; additionally, the contract included the provision of long-range cruise missiles and Meteor missiles as well as the training of 36 Qatari pilots and 100 technicians by the French military and several Qatari intelligence officers; thus, the price can be viewed as €{{#expr:6300/24round0}}M for each aircraft.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Qatar has chosen the Rafale |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/dassault-aviation/press/press-kits/qatar-has-chosen-the-rafale/ |publisher=Dassault Aviation|date=30 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503004327/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/dassault-aviation/press/press-kits/qatar-has-chosen-the-rafale/ |archive-date=3 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Al_Jazeera>{{cite news |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/05/qatar-agrees-buy-24-rafale-fighter-jets-france-150504100952250.html|title=Qatar agrees to buy 24 Rafale fighter jets from France|date=4 May 2015|publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505003343/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2015/05/qatar-agrees-buy-24-rafale-fighter-jets-france-150504100952250.html |archive-date=5 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 7 December 2017, the option for 12 more Rafales was exercised for €1.1&nbsp;billion (or €{{#expr:1100/12round0}}M each) while adding an additional option for 36 further fighters.<ref name=Le_Monde>{{cite news|author1=Béziat, Eric|author2=Gallois, Dominique|author3=Pietralunga, Cédric |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2017/12/07/macron-au-qatar-plus-de-11-milliards-d-euros-de-contrats-en-guise-de-cadeau-de-bienvenue_5226053_3234.html|title=Métro, Rafale, A321... 11,1 milliards d'euros de contrats signés à l'arrivée de Macron au Qatar |publisher=Le Monde|date=7 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207112325/http://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2017/12/07/macron-au-qatar-plus-de-11-milliards-d-euros-de-contrats-en-guise-de-cadeau-de-bienvenue_5226053_3234.html |archive-date=7 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> The first Qatari Rafale was delivered in February 2019.<ref name="QatarJanes">{{cite web |last1=Binnie |first1=Jeremy |title=First Qatari Rafale delivered |url=https://www.janes.com/article/86194/first-qatari-rafale-delivered |website=Jane's 360 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190206174132/https://www.janes.com/article/86194/first-qatari-rafale-delivered |archive-date=6 February 2019 |location=London |date=6 February 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="FlightGlobalQatar">{{cite web |last1=Perry |first1=Dominic |title=PICTURE: Qatar receives first of 36 Rafale fighters |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-qatar-receives-first-of-36-rafale-fighters-455567/ |website=FlightGlobal |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190206174235/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-qatar-receives-first-of-36-rafale-fighters-455567/ |archive-date=6 February 2019 |location=London |date=6 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===India===
====Indian Air Force====
{{main|Indian MRCA competition|Rafale deal controversy}}
[[File:Indian Air Force Rafale.jpg|thumb|IAF Rafale at [[Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport]], 6 February 2020]]

The Rafale was one of the six aircraft competing in the [[Indian MRCA competition]] for 126 multirole fighters. Originally, the Mirage 2000 had been considered for the competition, but Dassault withdrew it in favour of the Rafale.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/03/mirage-2000s-withdrawn-as-indias-mrca-fighter-competition-changes/index.php|title=Mirage 2000s Withdrawn As India's MRCA Fighter Competition Changes|newspaper=Defense Industry Daily|date=8 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060311042844/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2006/03/mirage-2000s-withdrawn-as-indias-mrca-fighter-competition-changes/index.php |archive-date=11 March 2006}}</ref> In February 2011, French Rafales flew demonstrations in India, including air-to-air combat against [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI|Su-30MKIs]].<ref name="Times of India">{{cite web |author=Prashanth, G. N. |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/French-Rafale-is-best-at-dogfight/articleshow/7478968.cms |title=French Rafale is best at dogfight |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=12 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825081654/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-02-12/bangalore/28543581_1_su-30-aircraft-dogfight |archive-date=25 August 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2011, the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) shortlisted the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon for the US$10.4&nbsp;billion contract.<ref>{{cite news|author=Chakravarty, Pratap |url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/india-shortlists-rafale-eurofighter-for-jet-deal-20110428-1dyzr.html|title=India Shortlists Rafale, Eurofighter for Jet Deal|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=28 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504141616/http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/india-shortlists-rafale-eurofighter-for-jet-deal-20110428-1dyzr.html |archive-date=4 May 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 31 January 2012, the IAF announced the Rafale as the preferred bidder.<ref name="Times">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Dassault-Rafale-wins-MMRCA-deal-beating-Eurofighter-Typhoon/articleshow/11700801.cms|title=Dassault Rafale wins MMRCA deal beating Eurofighter Typhoon|newspaper=The Times of India|date=31 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131175431/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Dassault-Rafale-wins-MMRCA-deal-beating-Eurofighter-Typhoon/articleshow/11700801.cms |archive-date=31 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="MMRCA Rafale">{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-01-31/news/31010328_1_eurofighter-dassault-and-eads-iaf|title=Dassault Rafale bags $10.4 bn deal to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to IAF with an option to buy ~80 more jets|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=31 January 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130524185506/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-01-31/news/31010328_1_eurofighter-dassault-and-eads-iaf |archive-date=24 May 2013}}</ref> It was proposed that 18 Rafales would be supplied to the IAF by 2015 in fly-away condition, while the remaining 108 would be manufactured by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) in India under [[Technology transfer|transfer of technology]] agreements.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rafale-wins--104-bn-iaf-deal-to-supply-126-jets/225921-3.html|title=Rafale wins IAF's $10.4 billion deal to supply 126 jets|newspaper=IBN-Live|date=31 January 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201230256/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rafale-wins--104-bn-iaf-deal-to-supply-126-jets/225921-3.html |archive-date=1 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/rafale-bags-iaf-s-usd-10-bn-mmrca-deal_755948.html|title=Rafale bags IAF's USD 10 bn MMRCA deal|newspaper=Zee News|date=31 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019095221/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/rafale-bags-iaf-s-usd-10-bn-mmrca-deal_755948.html |archive-date=19 October 2013}}</ref> The contract for 126 Rafales, services, and parts may have been worth up to US$20&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Black |url=http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/aviation/plane-makers-in-a-battle-over-combat-aircraft-orders |title=Plane makers in a battle over combat aircraft orders|date=24 February 2012|work=The National|location=Abu Dhabi |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019120811/http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/aviation/plane-makers-in-a-battle-over-combat-aircraft-orders |archive-date= 19 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Shyamantha|last=Asokan |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/india-defence-rafale-idINDEE99G0BP20131017|title=India to finalise Rafale deal by March: air force official|work=Reuters|place=India|date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017151750/http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/10/17/india-defence-rafale-idINDEE99G0BP20131017 |archive-date=17 October 2013}}</ref>

The deal stalled due to disagreements over local production; Dassault refused responsibility for the 108 HAL-manufactured Rafales, holding reservations over HAL's ability to accommodate the complex manufacturing and technology transfers; instead, Dassault said it would have to negotiate two separate production contracts by both companies. The [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Indian Defence Ministry]] instead wanted Dassault to be solely responsible for the sale and delivery of all 126 aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130405/DEFREG03/304050009/Report-India-France-Rafale-Deal-Stalled3 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130628235157/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130405/DEFREG03/304050009/Report-India-France-Rafale-Deal-Stalled3 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 June 2013|title=Report: India-France Rafale Deal Stalled|newspaper=Defense News|date=5 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author1=Prusty, Nigam |author2=Kotoky, Anurag |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-rafale-deal-idUSBRE9340BE20130405|title=India's $15 billion Rafale deal faces delays: sources|work=Reuters|date=5 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407231219/https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/05/us-india-rafale-deal-idUSBRE9340BE20130405 |archive-date=7 April 2013}}</ref> In May 2013, ''[[The Times of India]]'' reported that negotiations were "back on track", with plans for the first 18 Rafales to be delivered in 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/New-Sukhoi-base-to-cover-south-India/articleshow/20020893.cms|title=New Sukhoi base to cover south India|date=13 May 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629134413/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-13/india/39227453_1_squadrons-mmrca-project-chabua |archive-date=29 June 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2014, the two sides reportedly agreed that the first 18 Rafales would be delivered to India in flying condition and that the remaining 108 would be 70 percent built by HAL.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/a-big-step-in-india-s-rafale-jet-deal-with-france-490440 |title=A big step in India's Rafale jet deal with France |last1=Gokhale |first1=Nitin |date=3 March 2014 |website=NDTV |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140303185936/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/a-big-step-in-india-s-rafale-jet-deal-with-france-490440 |archive-date= 3 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> By December 2014, India and France reportedly expected to sign a contract by March 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141201/DEFREG03/312010014/India-France-Agree-Finalize-Rafale-Deal-by-Spring |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141202031046/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20141201/DEFREG03/312010014/India-France-Agree-Finalize-Rafale-Deal-by-Spring |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 December 2014 |title=India, France Agree to Finalize Rafale Deal by Spring |work=Defense News |date=1 December 2014 |first1=Vvivek |last1=Raghuvanshi |first2=Pierre |last2=Tran}}</ref>

In April 2015, during Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]]'s visit to Paris, India requested the swift delivery of 36 Rafales in a fly-away condition.<ref name=Dassault_India_to_buy_36>{{cite press release |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/dassault-aviation/press/press-kits/india-to-announce-its-intention-to-acquire-36-rafale-aircraft-rapidly/ |title=India to announce its intention to acquire 36 Rafale aircraft rapidly |publisher=Dassault Aviation |date=10 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414003934/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/dassault-aviation/press/press-kits/india-to-announce-its-intention-to-acquire-36-rafale-aircraft-rapidly/ |archive-date=14 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/india-france-rafale-deal-idINKBN0N11SB20150410 |title=India to buy 36 French-made Rafale jets – PM Modi PARIS |work=Reuters|date=10 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410220021/http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/04/10/india-france-rafale-deal-idINKBN0N11SB20150410 |archive-date=10 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> India withdrew the MMRCA tender on 30 July 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-withdraws-tender-for-126-medium-multi-role-combat-aircraft-manohar-parrikar/articleshow/48282941.cms|title=Government withdraws tender for 126 medium multi role combat aircraft: Manohar Parrikar|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=30 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802030300/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-withdraws-tender-for-126-medium-multi-role-combat-aircraft-manohar-parrikar/articleshow/48282941.cms |archive-date=2 August 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> Then, India and France missed a July target to finalise the 36-aircraft deal. The previously agreed-upon terms in April totaled US$8&nbsp;billion for 36 aircraft costing $200&nbsp;million each, with an offset requirement of 30 percent of the deal's value to be reinvested in India's defence sector and infrastructure for Rafale operations. India insisted on a 50 percent offset and two bases, which France said would increase costs and require separate infrastructure and two sets of maintenance, training and armament storage facilities.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rafale-deal-pricing-issues-indias-insistence-on-50-local-spending-lead-to-missing-of-july-target/articleshow/48288656.cms|title=Rafale deal: Pricing issues, India's insistence on 50% local spending lead to missing of July target|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=31 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811092539/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rafale-deal-pricing-issues-indias-insistence-on-50-local-spending-lead-to-missing-of-july-target/articleshow/48288656.cms |archive-date=11 August 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 23 September 2016, Defence Minister [[Manohar Parrikar]] and his French counterpart [[Jean-Yves Le Drian]] signed a €7.8&nbsp;billion contract for 36 fly-away Rafales with an option for 18 more.<ref name=Janes_India_finally_signs>{{cite news |url=http://www.janes.com/article/64054/india-finally-signs-deal-with-france-for-36-rafale-fighters |title=India finally signs deal with France for 36 Rafale fighters |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924160805/http://www.janes.com/article/64054/india-finally-signs-deal-with-france-for-36-rafale-fighters |archive-date=24 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> Initial deliveries were expected by 2019, and all 36 within six years.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37448631|title=India and France sign Rafale fighter jet deal|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=23 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923113802/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-37448631 |archive-date=23 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The deal included spares and weapons such as [[Meteor (missile)|Meteor]] missiles.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-france-conclude-rafale-deal/article9140011.ece |url-access=subscription |title=India, France conclude Rafale deal|last=Peri|first=Dinakar|date=23 September 2016|newspaper=The Hindu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923084205/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-france-conclude-rafale-deal/article9140011.ece |archive-date=23 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-signs-rs-58-000-crore-deal-for-36-rafale-fighter-jets-with-france-1465495 |date=23 September 2016 |title=Rafale Deal For 36 Fighter Jets Finally Sealed After Long Wait: 10 Facts|work=NDTV|access-date=23 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923191112/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-signs-rs-58-000-crore-deal-for-36-rafale-fighter-jets-with-france-1465495 |archive-date=23 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Indian National Congress]] raised an issue over Dassault partnering with [[Anil Ambani]]'s Reliance Defence, now known as [[Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited]] (R-Naval), a private company with no aviation experience, instead of the state owned HAL. Allegedly, Dassault lacked any choice and was compelled to select Reliance Defence as its partner. [[Rahul Gandhi]] alleged that it was favouritism and corruption. Both the French government and Dassault issued a press release stating it was Dassault's decision to choose Reliance Defence.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://thewire.in/business/full-text-of-french-report-on-how-modi-govt-pushed-anil-ambani-as-partner-for-rafale-deal|title=Full Text: French Report on How Modi Govt Pushed Anil Ambani as Rafale Deal Partner|first1=Karl |last1=Laske |first2=Antton |last2=Rouget |publisher=The Wire|date=21 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517055406/https://thewire.in/business/full-text-of-french-report-on-how-modi-govt-pushed-anil-ambani-as-partner-for-rafale-deal |archive-date=17 May 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rafale-row-alliance-with-reliance-defence-was-mandatory-to-clinch-the-deal-says-dassault-deputy-ceo/articleshow/66157632.cms |url-access=subscription |title=To get Rafale contract, Dassault had to choose Reliance Defence: French Media|work=The Economic Times|date=11 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413000859/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/rafale-row-alliance-with-reliance-defence-was-mandatory-to-clinch-the-deal-says-dassault-deputy-ceo/articleshow/66157632.cms |archive-date=13 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Party spokesperson [[Manish Tewari]] asked for the agreement's details to be made public and questioned if there was an escalation of per-aircraft cost from ₹7.15&nbsp;billion to ₹16&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/572223/cong-critical-rafale-deal-wants.html|website=Deccan Herald |title= Cong critical of Rafale deal, wants contract to be made public |agency=PTI |date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217071036/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/572223/cong-critical-rafale-deal-wants.html |archive-date=17 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2018, Congress alleged that procurement procedures were bypassed. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) case was filed in the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] for an independent probe into the Rafale procurement. On 14 December 2018, the Apex Court dismissed all petitions, stating it found no irregularities; Reliance Defence reportedly was set to receive just over 3 per cent of the {{INRConvert|300|b|year=2018}} of offsets, contrary to the impression that it was to be the biggest beneficiary of the deal.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/reliance-defence-to-get-3-of-rs-30000-crore-offset/articleshow/66228334.cms |title= Reliance Defence to get 3% of rs 30000 crore offset |newspaper= The Economic Times |publisher= Indiatimes |date= 16 October 2018|last1= Pubby |first1= Manu |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314191426/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/reliance-defence-to-get-3-of-rs-30000-crore-offset/articleshow/66228334.cms |archive-date= 14 March 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-verdict-on-rafale-defence-deal-what-the-court-said/articleshow/67088303.cms |date=14 December 2018 |title=Supreme Court verdict on Rafale defence deal: What the court said|work=The Times of India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214172251/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-verdict-on-rafale-defence-deal-what-the-court-said/articleshow/67088303.cms |archive-date=14 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:IAF Rafale aircraft touching down at Air Force Station Ambala on its arrival on 29 July 2020 (cropped).jpg|thumb|A Rafale landing at [[Ambala Air Force Station]] on its first arrival in India on 29 July 2020.]]
Around August 2017, India considered ordering 36 more Rafales amid tensions with China.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-pitches-for-36-more-rafale-fighters-after-it-gets-the-first-36-from-france/articleshow/60226329.cms|title= IAF pitches for 36 more Rafale fighters after it gets the first 36 from France|date= 26 August 2017|author= Rajat Pandit|journal= [[The Times of India]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170826041514/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-pitches-for-36-more-rafale-fighters-after-it-gets-the-first-36-from-france/articleshow/60226329.cms |archive-date= 26 August 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Ahead of the first Rafale's formal handover on 8 October 2019, IAF Day, the IAF accepted it at Dassault's Bordeaux facility in an event attended by Defence Minister [[Rajnath Singh]] and his French counterpart, [[Florence Parly]]; it had tail number "RB-001" to mark IAF chief-designate [[Air chief marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[R. K. S. Bhadauria]]'s role in the buy.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-receives-first-rafale-combat-aircraft-in-france/articleshow/71223372.cms |title= IAF receives first Rafale combat aircraft in France |website= [[The Times of India]]|date= 20 September 2019 }}</ref> The first five Rafales were delivered on 27 July 2020.<ref>{{cite web |date=2020-07-27 |title=Rafale jets reach Ambala today: What next after 7,000-km journey from France? |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/five-rafale-jets-leave-for-india-what-happens-next-6525806/ |access-date=2020-07-27 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> The last Rafale arrived in April 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=France hands over 3 Rafale fighter jets with India-specific enhancements to IAF |date=February 2022 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/france-hands-over-3-rafale-fighter-jets-with-india-specific-enhancements-to-iaf-101643711222359-amp.html |work=The Hindustan Times |access-date=2 February 2022}}</ref>

In June 2024, IAF sent a contingent to the second edition [[Red Flag – Alaska]] 2024 exercise which was conducted from 4 June to 14 June in [[Eielson Air Force Base]], [[Alaska]]. The Indian contingent consisted of Rafales, one [[Ilyushin Il-78|Il-78MKI]] mid-air refueller and a [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]] heavy transport aircraft. The exercise focused on Beyond Visual Range combat simulations. Other participants in the exercise included [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]], [[Royal Air Force]], [[Royal Netherlands Air Force]], [[German Air Force|Luftwaffe]], and the [[United States Air Force|US Air Force]]. The aggressor unit was [[18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron]]. After the conclusion of the exercise, on the way back to India, the contingent made a refuelling halt at [[Lajes Field]], [[Portugal]]. After the halt, the contingent was split into two components, with one visiting Greece and the other visiting Egypt.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-16 |title=IAF Contingent Completes Successful Participation in Exercise Red Flag 2024 |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2025644 |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=Press Information Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-16 |title=IAF's Rafale aircraft participate in Red Flag exercise in Alaska |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/iafs-rafale-aircraft-participate-in-red-flag-exercise-in-alaska/articleshow/111039680.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> The Rafales also participated in air combat exercises with [[Hellenic Air Force]]'s [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] and [[Egyptian Air Force]]'s Rafales.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Indian Rafales fly over Great Pyramids in Egypt, soar over Greece |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/watch-indian-rafales-fly-over-great-pyramids-in-egypt/amp_articleshow/111311405.cms |access-date=2024-06-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-27 |title=WATCH: IAF Rafale Jets In Formation With Egyptian Aircraft Fly Over Great Pyramids |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/watch-iaf-rafale-jets-in-formation-with-egyptian-aircraft-fly-over-great-pyramids-article-111315546 |access-date=2024-06-28 |website=Times Now |language=en}}</ref>

In September 2024, reports revealed that Rafale-equipped [[No. 101 Squadron IAF|No. 101 Squadron]] at [[Hasimara Air Force Station|Hasimara AFS]] under the aegis of [[Eastern Air Command (India)|Eastern Air Command]] has been "practicing" to shoot at targets mimicking Chinese spy balloons at very high-altitudes using [[Air-to-air missile|air-to-air missiles]]. This was done after the [[2023 Chinese balloon incident]] over the [[United States]] where an [[Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor|F-22 Raptor]] of the [[US Air Force]] had to shoot a {{Convert|200|ft|m|abbr=on}} tall Chinese [[spy balloon]] by using an [[AIM-9 Sidewinder|AIM-9X Sidewinder]] missile. On 4 February 2024, an F-22, from an altitude {{Convert|58000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, had shot down the spy balloon at an altitude of over {{Convert|60000|ft|m|abbr=on}}. In case of the Indian Air Force training, the most recent instance the Rafale shot down a comparitively smaller spy balloon (including a payload) with an air-to air missile at an altitude of {{Convert|55000|ft|m|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-10-07 |title=IAF quietly shooting down 'Chinese spy balloons' at high altitudes |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-quietly-shooting-down-chinese-spy-balloons-at-high-altitudes/articleshow/113993660.cms |access-date=2024-10-08 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-06 |title=Air Force demonstrates ability to shoot down Chinese spy balloon-type objects |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/chinese-spy-balloon-exercise-indian-air-force-rafale-jet-eastern-command-2612239-2024-10-06 |access-date=2024-10-08 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

====Indian Navy====
In January 2016, the Indian government directed the [[Indian Navy]] to be briefed by Dassault on the navalised Rafale for its aircraft carriers, promoting logistics and spares commonalities between the Navy and IAF.<ref>{{cite web |last=Raghuvanshi |first=Vivek |date=19 January 2016 |title=India To Evaluate Rafale for Navy |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2016/01/19/india-evaluate-rafale-navy/79013702/ |work=Defense News}}</ref> In January 2017, Indian Navy released an [[Request for information|Request for Information]] for its ''Multi-Role Carrier Borne Fighter'' (MRCBF) programme to form a fighter wing for [[INS Vikrant (2013)|INS Vikrant]]. Dassault [[Chief executive officer|CEO]] Eric Trappier stated that the Indian Navy may order up to 57 Rafales under MRCBF. The numbers were later reduced to 26 jets and was announced to be an interim solution until [[HAL TEDBF]] becomes operational. The competition was between Rafale and the [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]]. Both the jets participated in the trials from the ski-jumps at the Shore-Based Test Facility (SBTF) at [[INS Hansa]] in January and June 2022 respectively.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tomkins |first=Richard |date=16 February 2017 |title=Dassault to offer Rafale fighter to Indian navy |url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/02/16/Dassault-to-offer-Rafale-fighter-to-Indian-navy/8741487258158/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217074459/https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2017/02/16/Dassault-to-offer-Rafale-fighter-to-Indian-navy/8741487258158/ |archive-date=17 February 2017 |access-date=7 May 2023 |work=United Press International}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Race for the Indian Naval Fighter Contract {{!}} Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |url=https://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/the-race-for-the-indian-naval-fighter-contract-sscrajiv-040123 |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=www.idsa.in}}</ref>

On 13 July 2023, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of India granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 26 Rafale M F4 variant aircraft for the Indian Navy along with 3 additional [[Kalvari-class submarine (2015)|Kalvari-class submarines]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-07-13 |title=DAC approves proposals for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France to boost Indian Navy’s operational capabilities |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1939178 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Press Information Bureau}}</ref>

Later, the Indian Navy, decided to purchase 26 Rafales through Government to Government (G2G) deal. Senior representatives from the Navy, Defense Acquisition Wing as well as from Dassault & [[Thales Group|Thales]] are to begin negotiations for the deal on May 30, 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-28 |title=India to start talks for 26 Rafale Marine jets: Here's all about the 'omnirole' naval fighter plane |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-to-start-talks-for-26-rafale-marine-jets-heres-all-about-the-omnirole-naval-fighter-plane/articleshow/110498671.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-05-28 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=India rafale jet: India, France to begin negotiations this week in mega Rs 50,000 crore 26 Rafale Marine jet deal - The Economic Times |url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/india-france-to-begin-negotiations-this-week-in-mega-rs-50000-crore-26-rafale-marine-jet-deal/amp_articleshow/110493857.cms |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=m.economictimes.com}}</ref> As of 14 June 2024, the price negotiations for the deal are underway in the New Delhi after a postponement from the previously expected date of 30 May. The chief representatives of France in this Government to Government (G2G) deal is the [[Direction générale de l'armement|Directorate General of Armament]] and the Indian counterpart is Directorate General of Acquisitions. The aircraft squadron is planned to be deployed in [[INS Dega]], [[Visakhapatnam]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Dubey |first=Ajit |date=2024-06-14 |title=Indian, French governments negotiating 26 Rafale marine jet deal |url=https://aninews.in/news/world/asia/indian-french-governments-negotiating-26-rafale-marine-jet-deal20240614123414/ |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=ANI News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-14 |title=French delegation in India to negotiate Rafale marine jet deal |url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/french-delegation-in-india-to-negotiate-rafale-marine-jet-deal-13782431.html |access-date=2024-06-14 |website=Firstpost |language=en-us}}</ref>

By the last week of June 2024, the base price of Rafale was decided (same as that of IAF). According to a report, the Navy-specific variant will include the enhancements of IAF-specific Rafales like [[Helmet-mounted display|helmet mounted display]], low band frequency jammers, improved [[Radar altimeter|radio altimeter]] and very high frequency range decoys, etc. These upgrades will be accompanied by changes in software for air to sea mode, [[electromagnetic interference]] (EMI) and [[electromagnetic compatibility]] (EMC) and so on. The Indian team in the negotiations include joint secretary-rank [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]] officer while a [[Commodore (India)|Commodore]]-rank Indian Navy officer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2024-06-27 |title=Base price of Rafale agreed upon, fighters for Navy to have India-specific enhancements |url=https://theprint.in/defence/base-price-of-rafale-agreed-upon-fighters-for-navy-to-have-india-specific-enhancements/2148834/ |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 3 September 2024, [[Uttam AESA Radar|Uttam AESA radar]] integration and associated indigenous weapons like [[Astra (missile)|Astra missiles]] was negated out for the Rafale M F4 deal due to high costs for their integration and a delayed delivery timeline of 8 years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-04 |title=India nears deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighters |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/india-nears-deal-for-26-rafale-marine-jets-for-ins-vikrant-aircraft-carrier |access-date=2024-09-05 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news |date=2024-09-30 |title=Prices slashed! India close to finalising deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for Indian Navy |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/prices-slashed-india-close-to-finalising-deal-for-26-rafale-marine-fighter-jets-for-indian-navy/articleshow/113803882.cms |access-date=2024-10-03 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

The deal signing for 26 Rafale M is to be concluded by 2024-end.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-10 |title=Navy plans to finalise deals for submarines, Rafale jets, drones by end of 2024 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-plans-finalise-deals-scorpene-submarines-rafale-jets-mq-9b-drones-year-end-2597410-2024-09-10?amp_gsa=1&amp_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQGsAEggAID |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=alphadefense.in |date=2024-07-15 |title=Govt looks to conclude Rs 35,000 crore Scorpene submarine deal with MDL by year end, price bids to open soon |url=https://alphadefense.in/index.php/2024/07/15/govt-looks-to-conclude-rs-35000-crore-scorpene-submarine-deal-with-mdl-by-year-end-price-bids-to-open-soon/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=alphadefense.in |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 29 September 2024, Dassault has submitted its final price offer for the 26 aircraft to the Navy which is significantly less than the previous estimates. The naval jets will be equipped with [[Meteor (missile)|Meteor missiles]], anti-ship systems and long-range fuel tanks in addition to the advanced weapon systems and sensor suites integrated onboard IAF Rafales. The formal deal may be signed during the scheduled visit of [[National Security Advisor (India)|NSA]] [[Ajit Doval]] to France.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Newsdesk |first=Moneycontrol |date=29 September 2024 |title=France submits final price offer for 26 Rafale-M fighter jet deal for Indian Navy: Report |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/france-submits-final-price-offer-for-26-rafale-m-fighter-jet-deal-for-indian-navy-report-12831887.html/amp |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=Moneycontrol.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Online {{!}} |first=E. T. |date=2024-09-30 |title=India-France Rafale Marine fighter jets deal on the cards; Paris slashes prices for 26 jets |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/france-submits-final-price-offer-for-26-rafale-marine-jet-deal-ahead-of-nsa-dovals-paris-visit/videoshow/113814236.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=The Economic Times |language=en}}</ref> 

===Greece===
In August 2020, the government of Greece announced the acquisition of 18 Rafales.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greece and the Rafale |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/greece-and-the-rafale/ |website=Dassault Aviation, Press kits |date=12 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Waldron |first1=Greg |title=Greece orders 18 Rafale fighters |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/greece-orders-18-rafale-fighters/140150.article |website=Flightglobal |date=14 September 2020 }}</ref> Initial reports stated that ten would be the new Rafale C variant in F3-R standard with eight older Rafale in F1 and F2 standard in use with the French Air and Space Force that would be given to Greece.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/aircraft-propulsion/greece-purchase-rafales-reports-say|title=Greece To Purchase Rafales, Reports Say &#124; Aviation Week Network|website=aviationweek.com}}</ref>

In January 2021, the [[Hellenic Parliament]] ratified the agreement with Dassault for the purchase of six new built and 12 used F3-R aircraft formerly used by the Armée de l'Air at a total cost of €2.4&nbsp;billion, including armaments and ground support.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hellenicparliament.gr/Nomothetiko-Ergo/Psifisthenta-Nomoschedia?law_id=b5342fec-22cd-4194-8313-acad01511171|title=Ψηφισθέντα Νομοσχέδια|website=hellenicparliament.gr}}</ref> The inter-governmental agreement was signed on 25 January 2021 by the Defense Ministers of Greece and France.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kokkinidis |first1=Tasos |title=Greece, France Sign $2.8 Billion Rafale Jet Deal |date=25 January 2021 |url=https://greece.greekreporter.com/2021/01/25/greece-france-sign-2-8-billion-rafale-jet-deal/}}</ref> This was followed by an additional contract in March 2022 to buy the six additional Rafales, to be delivered from mid-2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-24 |title=Greece buys six more Rafale fighter jets, frigates from France|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/greece-buys-six-more-rafale-fighter-jets-frigates-france-2022-03-24/}}</ref> The first aircraft, a Rafale B two-seater, was delivered on 21 July 2021.<ref>{{cite web |author=Arnoud |title=Dassault Aviation Livre Le Premier Chasseur Omnirôle Rafale à La Grèce |language=French |website=avionslegendaires |date=21 July 2021 |url=https://www.avionslegendaires.net/2021/07/actu/dassault-aviation-livre-le-premier-chasseur-omnirole-rafale-a-la-grece/ |access-date=29 July 2021}}</ref> On 19 January 2022, the first six Rafales landed at [[Tanagra Air Base]] where a welcoming ceremony was held.<ref>{{cite web |last=Kokkinidis |first=Tasos |date=2022-01-19 |title=Greece Receives First Six of 24 Rafale Jets |url=https://greekreporter.com/2022/01/19/first-six-of-24-rafale-jets-land-greece/ |website=Greek Reporter}}</ref> The type officially entered service in September 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lazos |first=Efthimios |date=2023-09-25 |title=Πολεμική Αεροπορία: Επιχειρησιακά τα Rafale, πραγματοποιήθηκε η Τελική Επιχειρησιακή Αξιολόγηση της 332 Μοίρας |url=https://defencereview.gr/polemiki-aeroporia-epicheirisiakata/#comment-393403 |website=Defencereview}}</ref> In 2024, it was reported that the Greek Government was looking to buy 6 to 12 more Rafales (as well as another Frigate) on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. They also wanted to negotiate postponing some payments on previous arms deals to 2028–2030, and negotiate the transfer of 24 Mirage 2000-R that they wanted to discard as partial payment.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gençtürk |first=Ahmet |orig-date=30 May 2024 |date=1 June 2024 |title=Greece intends to buy more Rafale jets, frigate from France: Kathimerini newspaper |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/greece-intends-to-buy-more-rafale-jets-frigate-from-france-kathimerini-newspaper/3235690 |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=Anadolu Anjansi |pages=1}}</ref>

===Croatia===
[[File:Rafale CRO.jpg|thumb|Croatian Rafale F3-R in [[Zagreb Airport]]]]

[[Croatia]] received a proposal for 12 used Rafales F3Rs in September 2020 as part of a bid to replace the [[Croatian Air Force]]'s [[MiG-21]]s. The total package offered costs [[Euro|€]]1&nbsp;billion (including weapon systems, spare parts, logistics and training), and competed with new F-16V Block 70, Israeli used F-16C/D Barak raised to ACE configuration, and [[Saab JAS 39 Gripen|Saab Gripen]].<ref name="Globus">{{cite web |url=https://www.jutarnji.hr/globus/politika/bitka-za-hrvatsko-nebo-analizirali-smo-ponude-za-avione-nema-dvojbe-koji-je-najmocniji-15020991 |title=Bitka za hrvatsko nebo: Analizirali smo ponude za avione, nema dvojbe koji je najmoćniji |last=Ivanjek |first=Jan |date=2020-09-24 |website= Jutarnji list}}</ref> On 28 May 2021, Croatian Prime Minister [[Andrej Plenković]] announced the purchase of 12 used Rafales F3-R C/B on order, 10x single-seater C F3-R and 2x two-seater Rafale B F3Rs.<ref name="Vlada RH">{{cite web |url=https://vlada.gov.hr/news/plenkovic-with-a-multi-role-fighter-aircraft-croatia-is-gaining-a-powerful-strategic-deterrent-for-the-next-30-40-years/32215 |title=Plenković: with a multi-role fighter aircraft Croatia is gaining a powerful strategic deterrent for the next 30–40 years |last=Andrej |first=Plenkovic |date=28 May 2021 |publisher=Government of the Republic of Croatia |website=vlada.gov.hr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.morh.hr/vlada-usvojila-povijesnu-odluku-o-nabavi-visenamjenskog-borbenog-aviona/|title=Vlada usvojila povijesnu odluku o nabavi višenamjenskog borbenog aviona|date=28 May 2021|website=MORH}}</ref> The contract was signed on 25 November 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://vijesti.hrt.hr/hrvatska/rafale-uskoro-zamjenjuje-migove-3570478 |title=Rafale uskoro zamjenjuje migove |website=HRT Vijesti|date=25 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="flightglobal.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/croatia-signs-for-used-rafales-from-france/146594.article |title= Croatia signs for used Rafales from France |publisher= flightglobal.com |date=25 November 2021}}</ref>

On 2 October 2023, Croatia received the first of 12 Rafales during a ceremony at [[Mont-de-Marsan Air Base]].<ref name="McNeil">{{cite web |last1=McNeil |first1=Harry |title=Historic moment as Croatia receives its first Rafale fighter aircraft |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/historic-moment-as-croatia-receives-its-first-rafale-fighter-aircraft/?cf-view |website=Airforce Technology |access-date=6 October 2023 |date=3 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="janes.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/croatia-receives-first-rafale-fighter-from-france |title=Croatia receives first Rafale fighter from France |website=Janes|date=2 October 2023}}</ref> As of 11 July 2024, six aircraft have been delivered.<ref name="vecernji.hr">{{Cite web |title=Hrvatska preuzela i peti Rafale: 'Imat ćemo najmoćnije zrakoplovstvo na prostoru između Njemačke i Grčke' |url=https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/hrvatska-vojska-preuzela-i-peti-rafale-imat-cemo-najmocnije-ratno-zrakoplovstvo-na-prostoru-izmedu-njemacke-i-grcke-1740191 |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=vecernji.hr |language=hr}}</ref>

===Future operators===
====Indonesia====
In January 2020, the Indonesian government expressed interest in buying up to 48 Rafales to modernise the [[Indonesian Air Force]].<ref name="latribune">{{cite web|last=Cabirol|first=Michel|date=2020-01-17|title=Et si l'Indonésie s'offrait des Rafale et des sous-marins Scorpène ?|url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/et-si-l-indonesie-s-offrait-des-rafale-et-des-sous-marins-scorpene-837339.htmlhttps://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/et-si-l-indonesie-s-offrait-des-rafale-et-des-sous-marins-scorpene-837339.html|access-date=2020-01-19|website=La Tribune}}</ref><ref name="Latribun">{{cite web|last=Cabirol|first=Michel|date=2020-12-08|title=L'Indonésie souhaite monter à bord du Rafale|url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/l-indonesie-souhaite-monter-a-bord-du-rafale-dassault-aviation-864119.html|access-date=2020-12-03|website=La Tribune}}</ref> In February 2021, Indonesia's Minister of Defense [[Prabowo Subianto]] announced that the purchase of 36 units, as part of a large procurement programme including [[A330 MRTT|A330]] tankers and complementary American products, was planned and that funds had been secured for its finalization.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indonesian MoD reveals aircraft procurement plans|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/indonesian-mod-reveals-aircraft-procurement-plans|website=Janes.com|date=22 February 2021 }}</ref> On 7 June 2021, Indonesia signed a letter of intent to buy 36 Rafales and associated weapons and support.<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-08-02 |title=Indonesia signed a letter of intent to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets from France |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/08/02/indonesia-signed-a-letter-of-intent-to-acquire-36-rafale-fighter-jets-from-france/ |website=Global Defense Corp}}</ref>

On 20 January 2022, Prabowo Subianto confirmed, that Indonesia completed the negotiation of the contract pending activation of the formal agreement by France.<ref>{{cite web|date=2022-01-27|title=Indonesia Finalizes Rafale Contract With France|url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2022/01/27/indonesia-finalizes-rafale-contract-with-france/|access-date=2022-01-28|website=Global Defense Corp}}</ref> On 10 February 2022, Dassault stated that Indonesia had officially signed an order for 42 Rafale F4<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-09 |title=L'Indonésie se donne les moyens d'acquérir une nouvelle tranche de Rafale (18 avions de combat) |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/apres-les-six-premiers-l-indonesie-est-proche-d-acquerir-18-nouveaux-rafale-954562.html |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=La Tribune |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Indonesia To Receive First Rafale F3R Fighters In 2026 |url=https://gbp.com.sg/stories/indonesia-to-receive-first-rafale-f3r-fighters-in-2026/ |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=GBP}}</ref> consisting of 30 single-seat and 12 double-seat.<ref>{{cite web|date=2022-02-09|title=Des Rafale pour l'Indonésie|url=https://omnirole-rafale.com/des-rafale-pour-lindonesie/|access-date=2022-02-19|website=RAFALE : The omnirole fighter|language=fr-FR}}</ref>

The first tranche for six Rafales came into force in September 2022. On 10 August 2023, Dassault Aviation announced that a contract covering a second tranche of 18 Rafale fighters for Indonesia had come into force that day, bringing the total under contract to 24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indonesia orders next batch of 18 Rafale fighters {{!}} Shephard |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/indonesia-orders-next-batch-of-18-rafale-fighters/ |access-date=2023-08-14 |website=shephardmedia.com}}</ref> On 8 January 2024, Dassault Aviation disclosed that the third, and final tranche of 18 Rafales came into force, bringing the total aircraft ordered to 42.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-09 |title=Entry into force of the final tranche of 18 Rafale for Indonesia – Press kits |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/entry-into-force-of-the-final-tranche-of-18-rafale-for-indonesia/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Dassault Aviation, a major player to aeronautics}}</ref>

====Iraq====
In November 2020, Iraqi Defence Minister Jumaa Anad stated that [[Iraq]] plans to buy Rafales for the [[Iraqi Air Force]].<ref>[https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/50604/Iraq-Planning-to-Buy-Dassault-Rafale-Aircrafts-from-France "Iraq Planning to Buy Dassault Rafale {{sic|Ai|rcrafts|nolink=y}} from France"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121040920/https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/50604/Iraq-Planning-to-Buy-Dassault-Rafale-Aircrafts-from-France |date=21 January 2021 }}. The Bagdad Post, 11 November 2020</ref> In February 2022, Iraq reportedly intends to acquire 14 Rafale F4s, payable in [[crude oil]].<ref>{{cite web|date=2022-02-14|title=Iraq Ditches Russia's Su-35, Opt-in For 14 Dassault Rafale Fighter Jets|url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2022/02/14/iraq-ditches-russias-su-35-opt-in-for-14-dassault-rafale-fighter-jets/|website=Global Defense Corp}}</ref><ref>[http://www.opex360.com/2022/02/12/lirak-envisage-de-se-procurer-14-avions-rafale-des-caesar-et-des-drones-aupres-de-la-france/ "L'Irak envisage de se procurer 14 avions Rafale, des CAESAr et des drones auprès de la France"]. Opex360.com, 12 February 2022</ref>

In October 2024 there were known that Iraq plans to buy 12 Rafales for $3.2 billion in oil.<ref>https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2024/10/24/france-trades-12-dassault-rafales-for-3-2-billion-in-oil/</ref><ref>https://www.iraqinews.com/iraq/iraqi-rafale-fighter-jets-will-not-enjoy-air-supremacy/</ref>

==== Serbia ====
The President of [[Serbia]], [[Aleksandar Vučić]], stated on 24 December 2021 that Serbia is interested in buying new Rafales to strengthen the [[Serbian Air Force and Air Defence]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2021&mm=12&dd=24&nav_id=112617 |title=Vučić: There are no fears for Serbia; "Everyone lashes out on the small and the weak" – PoliticsEnglish – on |publisher=B92.net |date= 24 December 2021|access-date=2022-02-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/vucic-srbija-rusija-kornet/31625101.html |title=Vučić: Srbija platila ruske rakete 'kornet' unapred i po pristojnoj ceni|newspaper=Radio Slobodna Evropa |date=24 December 2021 }}</ref> ''La Tribune'' reported in April 2022 that Serbia and Dassault are negotiating for 12 Rafales.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/dassault-aviation-la-serbie-va-t-elle-monter-aussi-dans-le-rafale-912726.html |title=La Serbie va-t-elle monter aussi dans le Rafale ? |publisher=La Tribune |date= 2022-04-05}}</ref>

On 8 April 2024, President Vučić announced the country's intention to purchase 12 Rafales F4-R, stating that "concrete agreements regarding the purchase of Rafale jets" had been made with French President [[Emmanuel Macron]]. Contract negotiations were completed in August 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=France's Rafale Is Set To Be Serbia's Next Fighter |url=https://www.twz.com/air/frances-rafale-is-set-to-be-serbias-next-fighter |website=The Warzone |date=9 April 2024 |access-date=10 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=France and Serbia Successfully Conclude Negotiations for Sale of 12 Rafale Fighter Jets |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2024/france-and-serbia-successfully-conclude-negotiations-for-sale-of-12-rafale-fighter-jets |website=armyrecognition.com |publisher=Army Recognition |access-date=27 August 2024}}</ref>

The contract for nine single-seater Rafales and three two-seaters is worth {{currency|2.7 billion|EUR|passthrough=yes}} ({{currency|3 billion|USD|passthrough=yes}}).<ref name="serbia rafale">{{cite news |last1=Ruitenberg |first1=Rudy |title=Serbia to buy 12 Rafale fighter jets in nod to European industry |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/08/30/serbia-to-buy-12-rafale-fighter-jets-in-nod-to-european-industry/ |access-date=11 September 2024 |work=[[Defense News]] |date=30 August 2024 |language=en}}</ref>

====United Arab Emirates====
In 2009, the [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] was interested in an upgraded Rafale with more powerful engines and radar, and advanced air-to-air missiles.<ref>{{cite news |author=Gale, Ivan |url=http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/uae-wants-its-fighters-its-own-way|title=UAE wants its fighters its own way|newspaper=The National|location=Abu Dhabi|date=29 September 2009|access-date=5 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429064822/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/uae-wants-its-fighters-its-own-way |archive-date=29 April 2011}}</ref> In October 2011, Dassault was confident that a US$10&nbsp;billion deal for up to 60 Rafales would be signed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-uae-stings-dassaults-39uncompetitive-and-unworkable39-rafale-365019/ |title=DUBAI: UAE stings Dassault's 'uncompetitive and unworkable' Rafale bid |date= 17 November 2011 |work=Flightglobal |access-date=10 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210045658/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-uae-stings-dassaults-39uncompetitive-and-unworkable39-rafale-365019/ |archive-date=10 December 2014}}</ref> However, Deputy Supreme Commander of the [[Union Defence Force (UAE)|Union Defence Force]], [[Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan]], in November 2011 called the French offer "uncompetitive and unworkable";<ref>{{cite news|author=McGinley, Shane |url=http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-royal-blasts-dassault-over-fighter-jet-deal-430278.html|title=UAE royal blasts Dassault over fighter jet deal|work=Arabian Business|date=16 November 2011|access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119014741/http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-royal-blasts-dassault-over-fighter-jet-deal-430278.html |archive-date=19 November 2011}}</ref> In 2010, France allegedly asked the UAE to pay US$2.6&nbsp;billion of the total cost of Rafale upgrades.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/uae-may-ditch-france-to-award-10bn-jet-deal-to-us-2010-09-23-1.294435|title=UAE may ditch France to award $10bn jet deal to US|work=Emirates 24/7|date=23 September 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131022052232/http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/uae-may-ditch-france-to-award-10bn-jet-deal-to-us-2010-09-23-1.294435 |archive-date= 22 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Consequently, the UAE explored a purchase of the Eurofighter Typhoon<ref>{{cite news|author=Hoyle, Craig |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-uae-issues-shock-eurofighter-typhoon-request-364701/|title=Dubai: UAE issues shock Eurofighter Typhoon request|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=12 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114162812/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-uae-issues-shock-eurofighter-typhoon-request-364701/ |archive-date=14 November 2011}}</ref> or the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.<ref>{{cite news|author=Tran, Pierre |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100913/DEFFEAT04/9130314/UAE-May-Ditch-Rafale |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723212412/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100913/DEFFEAT04/9130314/UAE-May-Ditch-Rafale |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 July 2012|title=UAE May Ditch Rafale|newspaper=Defense News|date=15 October 2010}}</ref> The newspaper ''La Tribune'' reported in February 2012, that the UAE was still considering the US$10-billion deal for 60 Rafales. Interoperability among the Gulf air forces had renewed Qatari and Kuwaiti interest in the Rafale.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/france-emirates-rafale-idUSL5E8D26WQ20120202|title=French Rafale UAE deal back on-report|work=Reuters|date=2 February 2012|access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205093850/https://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/02/france-emirates-rafale-idUSL5E8D26WQ20120202 |archive-date=5 February 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2013, President Hollande stated that he would discuss the Rafale during an official visit to the UAE.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130109/DEFREG01/301090008/France-8217-s-Hollande-Push-Rafale-Sale-UAE |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20130109153106/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130109/DEFREG01/301090008/France-8217-s-Hollande-Push-Rafale-Sale-UAE |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 January 2013|title=France's Hollande To Push for Rafale Sale in UAE|newspaper=Defense News|date=9 January 2013}}</ref> In December 2013, the UAE reportedly chose not to proceed with a deal for defence and security services, including the supply of Typhoons.<ref>{{cite news|last=Spence |first=Peter |url=http://www.cityam.com/blog/1387471898/uae-pulls-out-bae-typhoon-aircraft-deal |title=UAE pulls out of BAE Typhoon aircraft deal |newspaper=[[City A.M.]] |date=19 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220024154/http://www.cityam.com/blog/1387471898/uae-pulls-out-bae-typhoon-aircraft-deal |archive-date=20 December 2013}}</ref>

In September 2014, it was reported that the UAE could acquire 40 Rafales in addition to upgrading its existing Mirage 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140901/DEFREG01/309010013/France-UAE-Close-Spy-Sat-Deal |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140901151556/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20140901/DEFREG01/309010013/France-UAE-Close-Spy-Sat-Deal |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 September 2014|title=France, UAE Close in on Spy Sat Deal|work=Defense News|date=1 September 2014|access-date=10 December 2014}}</ref> In November 2015, Reuters reported that Major General Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence, had confirmed that the UAE was in final negotiations to purchase 60 Rafales.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hepher|first=Tim |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-dubai-airshow-emirates-fighters-idUSKCN0T01AQ20151111|title=UAE in final stages of talks to buy Rafale jets|work=Reuters|date=11 November 2015|access-date=12 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114064556/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/11/us-dubai-airshow-emirates-fighters-idUSKCN0T01AQ20151111 |archive-date=14 November 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019 a series of Rafale F3-R trials were conducted at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/206079/rafale-f3_r-heads-to-uae-for-hot-weather-trials.html |title= Hot Weather Trials Campaign for the Rafale F3-R}}</ref> On 3 December 2021, Dassault announced that the UAE had signed an order for 80 Rafale F4 in a government-to-government deal,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/frances-macron-nears-uae-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-2021-12-03/|title=Cementing ties, UAE buys 80 French-made Rafale warplanes|author=John Irish|work=Reuters|date=3 December 2021|access-date=3 December 2021}}</ref> which made the UAE the largest Rafale operator in the region and second to France.<ref>{{cite web|date=2021-12-05|title=France Signs Mega Arms Deal With UAE to Supply 80 Rafale F4 to its Air Force |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/12/05/france-signs-mega-arms-deal-with-uae-to-supply-80-rafale-f4-to-its-air-force/|access-date=2021-12-05|website=Global Defense Corp}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://apnews.com/article/business-middle-east-france-elections-europe-43bbf5b78be83a1012f18c795b5ab96b|title=France signs weapons mega-deal with UAE as Macron tours Gulf|access-date=3 December 2021|work=Associated Press News|date=3 December 2021}}</ref> The deal makes the United Arab Emirates Air Force the first user of the Rafale F4 standard outside France.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eurasiantimes.com/dassault-begins-process-to-deliver-rafale-fighters-to-uae/|title=Dassault Aviation Begins Process To Deliver The 'Most Advanced' Rafale Fighters To UAE; Anticipates 'Big Order' From India|work=The EurAsian Times|date=21 April 2021}}</ref>

===Potential operators===
==== Bangladesh ====
In March 2020, ''[[La Tribune]]'' reported that France's Minister of the Armed Forces, Florence Parly, promoted the Rafale's performance to Bangladeshi Prime Minister [[Sheikh Hasina]], who is also Minister of Defense.<ref>{{cite web|title=Florence Parly au Bangladesh pour vendre le Rafale |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/florence-parly-au-bangladesh-pour-vendre-le-rafale-841665.html|website=La Tribune|date=10 March 2020|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=France, Italy eye Bangladesh market |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/101697/france-italy-eye-bangladesh-market|access-date=2021-08-21|work=New Age}}</ref>

==== Brazil ====
On 30 October 2024, the Brazilian media reported that France's President [[Emmanuel Macron]] during his trip to [[Rio de Janeiro]] to participate the [[2024 G20 Rio de Janeiro summit|2024 G20 summit]] will offer to the Brazilian President [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]] an package of armaments, including 24 Rafales to replace the older [[AMX International AMX|AMX]] as the [[Brazilian Air Force]] is in selection process of a replacement to the refered attack jet.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Macron oferecerá 24 caças Rafale a Lula no encontro do G20|trans-title=Macron to offer 24 Rafale fighter jets to Lula during the G20 meeting|url=https://www.aereo.jor.br/2024/10/31/macron-oferecera-24-cacas-rafale-a-lula-no-encontro-do-g20/|date=31 October 2024|work=Poder Aéreo|language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=França vai oferecer 24 caças Rafale ao Brasil, segundo jornalista |trans-title=France will offer 24 Rafale fighter jets to Brazil, according to journalist|url=https://www.airway.com.br/franca-vai-oferecer-24-cacas-rafale-ao-brasil-segundo-jornalista/|date=31 October 2024|work=Airway|language=pt}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=G20: França vai oferecer ao Brasil helicópteros H145M, caças Rafale, obus CAESAR e mais um Submarino? |trans-title=G20: Will France offer Brazil H145M helicopters, Rafale fighters, CAESAR howitzers and another submarine?|url=https://www.defesaaereanaval.com.br/geopolitica/g20-franca-vai-oferecer-ao-brasil-helicopteros-h145m-cacas-rafale-obus-caesar-e-mais-um-submarino|date=31 October 2024|work=Defesa Aérea e Naval|language=pt}}</ref>

==== Colombia ====
In June 2022, ''La Tribune'' reported Dassault made an offer for 15 fighters and 9 in option for the [[Colombian Air Force]]. Colombia was interested in used ones, but France denied, taking into consideration it already sold 24 jets to Croatia and Greece.<ref>{{cite web|title=La Colombie sera-t-elle la porte d'entrée du Rafale en Amérique du Sud ? |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/la-colombie-sera-t-elle-la-porte-d-entree-du-rafale-en-amerique-du-sud-918840.html|website=La Tribune|date=22 June 2022|language=fr}}</ref> On 21 December 2022, the Colombian government announced that they had shortlisted the Rafale for a potential 16 aircraft order to replace their aging [[Kfir]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-21 |title=Colombia closes in on purchase of 16 French Rafale fighter planes |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/colombia-closes-purchase-16-french-rafale-fighter-planes-2022-12-21/ |access-date=2022-12-22 |work=Reuters}}</ref> Nevertheless, on 3 January 2023, Colombia and Dassault explained they could not come to an agreement, mainly because of the high price-tag of the planes. On 1 April, Colombia issued a new RFP for new planes, with the Rafale, the Gripen and the F-16 as favorites.<ref>{{cite web|title=Colombia restarts competition for new fighter, with Rafale, F-16 and Gripen in the running |url=https://www.airdatanews.com/colombia-restarts-competition-for-new-fighter-with-rafale-f-16-and-gripen-in-the-running/|website=airdatanews.com/|date=April 2023}}</ref>

====Malaysia====
The Rafale was a contender for the replacement of the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]]'s (RMAF) [[Mikoyan MiG-29]]s, with a requirement to equip three squadrons with 36 to 40 fighters with an estimated budget of RM6&nbsp;billion to RM8&nbsp;billion (US$1.84&nbsp;billion to US$2.46&nbsp;billion). Other competitors were the Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18/F Super Hornet and Saab JAS 39 Gripen.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/12435/Dassault_Increases_Rafale_Pitch_For_Malaysia_At_LIMA_2015#.VUNfPSGqrBF |title=Dassault Increases Rafale Pitch For Malaysia At LIMA 2015 |date=17 March 2015 |work=Defenseworld.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427210645/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/12435/Dassault_Increases_Rafale_Pitch_For_Malaysia_At_LIMA_2015#.VUNfPSGqrBF |archive-date=27 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2017, acquisition efforts were suspended with the RMAF looking instead to buy new maritime patrol aircraft and advanced trainers with light attack capabilities to confront the growing threat of Islamist militants in the Southeast Asian region.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sipalan|first=Joseph|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-defence-exclusive-idUSKBN19Y17X|title=Exclusive: Malaysia shelves plan to buy new fighter jets – defense source|work=Reuters|accessdate=26 April 2023}}</ref>

====Peru====
In July 2024, it was reported that Peru as part of a revitalization program for the combat sections of the [[Peruvian Air Force]] (FAP) was considering the Rafale as one of the contenders for a recently launched contract for fighters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mejia |first=Lewis |date=6 February 2024 |title=The Peruvian Air Force seeks to advance in the recovery and repowering of its combat aircraft |url=https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2024/02/06/the-peruvian-air-force-seeks-to-advance-in-the-recovery-and-repowering-of-its-combat-aircraft/ |access-date=13 July 2024 |website= zona-militar.com}}</ref> General Carlos Enrique Chávez Cateriano, the commanding general of the FAP, announced on 8 July 2024 that a competition had been launched and the Rafale was one of two leading contenders, with the other leading contender being the [[KAI KF-21 Boramae]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wolf |first=Fabrice |date=July 10, 2024 |title=The Dassault Rafale favorite to modernize the Peruvian air forces with the KF-21 Boramae |url=https://meta-defense.fr/en/2024/07/10/dassault-rafale-kf-21-favoris-perou/ |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=meta-defense.fr}}</ref> The FAP is operating Mirage 2000P Fighters and Mirage 2000DP trainers, as well as American and Russian built fighters as of 2024.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}

====Saudi Arabia====
In February 2022, ''La Tribune'' reported that [[Saudi Arabia]] is interested in the Rafale,<ref>{{cite web|title=Rafale à l'export : et maintenant ? |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/rafale-a-l-export-et-maintenant-904558.html|access-date=2022-02-22|website=La Tribune|date=2022-02-22|language=fr}}</ref> then reported in December 2022 that Saudi Arabia would need between 100 and 200 fighters.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rafale, SCAF : les tentations embryonnaires de l'Arabie Saoudite |url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/rafale-scaf-les-tentations-embryonnaires-de-l-arabie-saoudite-942032.html |access-date=2022-02-22 |website=La Tribune |date=2022-12-05 |language=fr}}</ref> In October 2023, Saudi Arabian authorities officially asked the French company Dassault Aviation to send a quote and a proposed delivery schedule for 54 Rafale F4 combat aircraft.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/l-arabie-saoudite-prete-a-commander-54-rafale-a-dassault-aviation-981123.html | title=L'Arabie saoudite prête à commander 54 Rafale à Dassault Aviation | date=22 October 2023 }}</ref>

====Uzbekistan====
On 26 November 2023, French President [[Immanuel|Emmanuel Macron]] offered Rafale to both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan governments, according to ''La Tribune.''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bisaccio |first=Derek |date=2023-11-27 |title=France Pitches Rafale to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan |url=https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2023/11/27/france-pitches-rafale-to-uzbekistan-kazakhstan/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Defense Security Monitor}}</ref> ''Scramble'' reported that Uzbekistan is interested in buying 24 Rafales, citing the source in France government.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Herk |first=Hans van |date=2023-11-25 |title=Next in line for Rafales: Uzbekistan? |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/next-in-line-for-rafales-uzbekistan |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=scramble.nl}}</ref>

===Failed bids===
The Rafale has been marketed for export to various countries. Various commentators and industry sources have highlighted the high cost of the aircraft as detrimental to the Rafale's sales prospects. Its acquisition cost is roughly US$100&nbsp;million (2010),<ref>{{cite news |first=Lionel|last=Laurent |url=https://fr.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE60B3IK20100112 |title=Dassault under pressure to cut Rafale fighter price |location=France |work=Reuters|date=12 January 2010 |access-date=20 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140201195758/http://fr.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE60B3IK20100112 |archive-date= 1 February 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> while its operational cost hovers around US$16,500 (2012) for every flight-hour.<ref name="Flight_hour_costs">{{cite web |title=Gripen operational cost lowest of all western fighters: Jane's |url=http://www.stratpost.com/gripen-operational-cost-lowest-of-all-western-fighters-janes|work=Strat Post |date=3 July 2012|access-date=20 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140216090306/http://www.stratpost.com/gripen-operational-cost-lowest-of-all-western-fighters-janes |archive-date= 16 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Saab JAS 39 Gripen, in comparison, costs only US$4,700 per flight-hour to operate.<ref name=Flight_hour_costs/> According to a 2009 article by the Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis, unlike the American government and its relationship with Boeing and Lockheed Martin, the lack of communication between the French government and Dassault has hampered a worldwide cooperative sales effort, as demonstrated by the case with Morocco in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |first=Guillem |last=Monsonis |url=http://www.idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/RafalethedoomedFrenchbird_GMonsonis_140509 |title=Rafale: the doomed French bird |work=Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis |date=14 May 2009 |access-date=20 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140201162158/http://www.idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/RafalethedoomedFrenchbird_GMonsonis_140509 |archive-date= 1 February 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Belgium====
{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Belgium}}

In 2009, Belgium suggested that they may buy F-35s in the 2020s to replace Belgium's 34 F-16A/B MLU fleet.<ref>{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |title=Leaked cable spills Belgium's plans to buy F-35s |date=12 September 2011 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/leaked-cable-spills-belgiums-plans-to-buy-f-35s/101979.article |website=[[FlightGlobal]]}}</ref> An article published in Belgian newspaper [[L'Avenir (Belgian newspaper)|L'Avenir]] on 19 April 2015 speculated that, if the nuclear strike role via Belgium's [[Nuclear sharing]] policy were retained in the request for proposals, Belgium would be almost forced to buy the F-35 as to maintain this role.<ref>{{cite web |title=La Belgique quasi-contrainte d'acheter le F-35 si elle conserve sa mission nucléaire |url=http://www.lavenir.net/cnt/dmf20150419_00635125 |website=L'Avenir |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219173118/http://www.lavenir.net/cnt/dmf20150419_00635125 |archive-date=19 December 2017 |language=fr |date=19 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Belgium Forced to Buy F-35 If Nuclear Strike Mission Maintained |url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/162912/no-alternative-to-f_35-if-belgium-keeps-nuke-mission.html|website=Defense Aerospace |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219173235/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/162912/no-alternative-to-f_35-if-belgium-keeps-nuke-mission.html |archive-date=19 December 2017|date=19 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Belgium officially launched its F-16 replacement program in March 2017, issuing requests for proposals to three European and two US manufacturers: [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security]], [[Lockheed Martin]], Dassault, [[Eurofighter GmbH]] and [[Saab Group]], offering the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, [[F-35 Lightning II]], Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab JAS 39 Gripen respectively.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Orban|first1=André|title=Belgian Government gives green light at launch of purchase procedure for new fighter jet |url=http://www.aviation24.be/military-aircraft/belgian-air-component/belgian-government-gives-green-light-launch-purchase-procedure-new-fighter-jet/|website=Aviation 24 Belgium |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219163514/http://www.aviation24.be/military-aircraft/belgian-air-component/belgian-government-gives-green-light-launch-purchase-procedure-new-fighter-jet/ |archive-date=19 December 2017|date=17 March 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Jennings|first1=Gareth|title=Belgium formally launches fighter replacement effort |url=http://www.janes.com/article/68838/|website=IHS Jane's 360 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20171219163424/http://www.janes.com/article/68838/belgium-formally-launches-fighter-replacement-effort |archive-date=19 December 2017|date=20 March 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> On 25 October 2018, Belgium officially selected the offer for 34 F-35As; government officials stated that it had come down to price, and that "The offer from the Americans was the best in all seven evaluation criteria". The total purchasing price for the aircraft and support until 2030 totaled €4&nbsp;billion, €600&nbsp;million cheaper than the budgeted €4.6&nbsp;billion.<ref name="BelgiumReuters">{{cite web |last1=Emmott |first1=Robin |title=Belgium picks Lockheed's F-35 over Eurofighter on price |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-aerospace-belgium/belgium-picks-lockheeds-f-35-over-eurofighter-on-price-idUSKCN1MZ1S0 |work=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025145835/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-aerospace-belgium/belgium-picks-lockheeds-f-35-over-eurofighter-on-price-idUSKCN1MZ1S0 |archive-date=25 October 2018 |date=25 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BelgiumDefenseNews">{{cite web |last1=Insinna |first1=Valerie |title=F-35 officially wins Belgian fighter contest |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2018/10/25/f-35-officially-wins-belgian-fighter-contest/ |website=Defense News |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181025153323/https://www.defensenews.com/air/2018/10/25/f-35-officially-wins-belgian-fighter-contest/ |archive-date=25 October 2018 |date=25 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2020, the first F-35 contract was signed, with deliveries to begin in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Broek, van den |first1=Leonard |title=Eerste officiële F-35 contract voor België |url=https://www.upinthesky.nl/2020/04/02/eerste-officiele-f-35-contract-voor-belgie/ |website=Up in the Sky |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703110902/https://www.upinthesky.nl/2020/04/02/eerste-officiele-f-35-contract-voor-belgie/ |archive-date=3 July 2020 |date=2 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Brazil====
{{main|Saab JAS 39 Gripen#Brazil}}

In June 2008, the [[Brazilian Air Force]] issued a request for information on the following aircraft: F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-16 Fighting Falcon, Rafale, [[Sukhoi Su-35|Su-35]], [[Gripen NG]] and Eurofighter Typhoon.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/nacional,jobim-discute-sistemas-militares-na-franca-e-russia,115010,0.htm|title=Jobim discute sistemas militares na França e Rússia|language=pt|newspaper=[[O Estado de S. Paulo]]|date=25 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606131847/http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/nacional%2Cjobim-discute-sistemas-militares-na-franca-e-russia%2C115010%2C0.htm |archive-date=6 June 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In October 2008, the service selected three finalists for F-X2&nbsp;– Dassault Rafale, Gripen NG and Boeing F/A-18E/F.<ref>{{cite news|author=Trimble, Stephen |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/brazil-names-three-finalists-for-f-x2-contract-rejects-three-316814/|title=Brazil names three finalists for F-X2 contract, rejects three others|newspaper=[[Flightglobal]]|date=6 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002082836/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/brazil-names-three-finalists-for-f-x2-contract-rejects-three-316814/ |archive-date=2 October 2012}}</ref> On 5 January 2010, media reports stated that the final evaluation report by the Brazilian Air Force placed the Gripen ahead of the other two contenders based on unit and operating costs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/brasil/ult96u674679.shtml|title=FAB prefere caça sueco a francês|language=pt|newspaper=Folha de S. Paulo|date=5 January 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524195218/http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/brasil/ult96u674679.shtml |archive-date=24 May 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dn.se/ekonomi/gripen-favorit-i-brasilien/|title=Gripen favorit i Brasilien|work=Dagens Nyheter|date=15 October 2010|language=sv |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140313143421/http://www.dn.se/ekonomi/gripen-favorit-i-brasilien/ |archive-date= 13 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2011, Brazilian President [[Dilma Rousseff]] had reportedly decided in favour of the F/A-18.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.leparisien.fr/economie/le-bresil-prefere-le-f-18-au-rafale-de-dassault-09-02-2011-1307284.php|title=Le Brésil le F-18 au Rafale de Dassault|language=fr|newspaper=Le Parisien|date=9 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121029092005/http://www.leparisien.fr/economie/le-bresil-prefere-le-f-18-au-rafale-de-dassault-09-02-2011-1307284.php |archive-date=29 October 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> After [[Edward Snowden]]'s revelation that the NSA had been intercepting Rouseff's private communications, in December 2013 and her ensuing fury, the Brazilian government selected the Gripen NG in a US$5&nbsp;billion deal to equip the air force.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mehta |first=Aaron |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131218/DEFREG02/312180027/Brazil-Picks-Sweden-s-Gripen-Fighter-Jet |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131219003024/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131218/DEFREG02/312180027/Brazil-Picks-Sweden-s-Gripen-Fighter-Jet |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 December 2013 |title=Brazil Picks Sweden's Gripen Fighter Jet |work=Defense News |date=18 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How US spying cost Boeing multibillion-dollar jet contract with Brazil |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/americas/story/us-spying-boeing-f-a-18-super-hornet-jet-deal-brazil-dilma-rousseff-edward-snowden-221575-2013-12-20 |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=India Today|date=21 December 2013 }}</ref>

====Canada====
{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Canadian procurement}}

The Rafale was amongst various fighters proposed to replace the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]]'s [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet]].<ref>{{cite web |last= Pugliese |first= David |url= http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/defencewatch/archive/2009/11/03/canadian-air-force-needs-competition-on-next-generation-fighter-next-year-at-the-latest.aspx |title=Canadian Air Force Needs Competition on Next Generation Fighter Next Year at the Latest |work=[[Ottawa Citizen]] |date=4 November 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091109062224/http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/defencewatch/archive/2009/11/03/canadian-air-force-needs-competition-on-next-generation-fighter-next-year-at-the-latest.aspx |archive-date=9 November 2009}}</ref> In 2005, a report compiled by Canada's Department of Defence reviewing aircraft noted concerns over the Rafale's interoperability with US forces; Dassault had also been unable to confirm engine performance during cold weather conditions.<ref>{{cite web |last= Berthiaume |first= Lee |url=http://o.canada.com/news/national/defence-officials-catalogued-pros-cons-of-f-35-competitors/ |title= Defence officials catalogued pros, cons of F-35 competitors |publisher=Canada.com |date= 11 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130827070624/http://o.canada.com/2013/02/11/defence-officials-catalogued-pros-cons-of-f-35-competitors/ |archive-date=27 August 2013}}</ref> In July 2010, the Canadian government announced the F-35 as the CF-18's replacement; the nation was already a partner in the [[Joint Strike Fighter program]] since 1997 and a Tier 3 partner for the F-35 since 2002.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=/index&nid=548059 |title= Canada's Next Generation Fighter Capability: The Joint Strike Fighter F-35 Lightning II |publisher= Government of Canada |date= 16 July 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110211114358/http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=%2Findex&nid=548059 |archive-date= 11 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/Living/2010-06-08/article-1298066/ReportOttawa-set-to-spend-9B-on-new-US-fighter-jets-from-single-source/1 |title=Report: Ottawa set to spend $9B on new U.S. fighter jets from single source |location=Charlottetown, CA |newspaper=[[The Guardian (Charlottetown)|The Guardian]] |date=8 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930034731/http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/Living/2010-06-08/article-1298066/ReportOttawa-set-to-spend-9B-on-new-US-fighter-jets-from-single-source/1 |archive-date=30 September 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In December 2012, the Canadian government announced that the F-35 buy had been abandoned due to cost rises and that a fresh procurement process would begin.<ref>{{cite news |last=Campion-Smith |first=Bruce |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/12/12/f35_deal_scrapped_as_conservative_government_begins_new_search_for_fighter_jet.html |title=F-35 deal scrapped as Conservative government begins new search for fighter jet |newspaper=Toronto Star |date=12 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020212126/http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2012/12/12/f35_deal_scrapped_as_conservative_government_begins_new_search_for_fighter_jet.html |archive-date=20 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In January 2013, Dassault responded to Canada's request for information.<ref>{{cite news |last= Vidalon |first= Dominique |url= http://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCABRE9070ZH20130108 |title= Dassault sees prospects for Rafale in Canada|work=Reuters|date=8 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130113063724/http://ca.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idCABRE9070ZH20130108 |archive-date= 13 January 2013}}</ref> Various aircraft were considered, including the F-35.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.hilltimes.com/news/politics/2013/01/14/public-works-writes-to-five-major-european-us-fighter-jet-makers-to-replace-f-35s/33347 |title=Public Works writes to five major European, US fighter jet makers to replace F-35s, critics call it a 'market' analysis|work=Hill Times|date= 14 January 2013 |url-access=subscription |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019131532/http://www.hilltimes.com/news/politics/2013/01/14/public-works-writes-to-five-major-european-us-fighter-jet-makers-to-replace-f-35s/33347 |archive-date= 19 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2014, Dassault offered a contract with full technology transfer, allowing Canada to perform its own support and upgrades, thereby lowering long-term service costs.<ref>{{cite news |title= Dassault Aviation ramps up CF-18 replacement pitch |work= [[CBC News]] |url= http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/dassault-aviation-ramps-up-cf-18-replacement-pitch-1.2507029 |date=22 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140320115415/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/dassault-aviation-ramps-up-cf-18-replacement-pitch-1.2507029 |archive-date= 20 March 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Terry|last=Milewski |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/f-35-s-french-rival-pitches-canadianized-fighter-jet-1.2577234|title=F-35's French rival pitches 'Canadianized' fighter jet|work=[[CBC News]]|date=18 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509020244/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/f-35-s-french-rival-pitches-canadianized-fighter-jet-1.2577234 |archive-date=9 May 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2018, Dassault withdrew from the competition, reportedly over interoperability and intelligence sharing requirements, particularly with the US, complicated by France's lack of involvement in the [[Five Eyes]] intelligence-sharing group.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leblanc |first1=Daniel |title=European fighter-jet manufacturer pulls out of Canadian competition to replace CF-18s |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-european-fighter-jet-manufacturer-pulls-out-of-canadian-competition-to/ |website=The Globe and Mail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107230239/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-european-fighter-jet-manufacturer-pulls-out-of-canadian-competition-to/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |location=Ottawa |date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Pugliese |first1=David |title=Dassault withdraws from Canada's fighter jet competition |url=https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2018/11/07/dassault-withdraws-from-canadas-fighter-jet-competition/ |website=Defense News |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181107230241/https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2018/11/07/dassault-withdraws-from-canadas-fighter-jet-competition/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 |location=Victoria, British Columbia |date=7 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Finland====
{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Finland}}

In June 2015, a working group set up by the Finnish MoD proposed starting the [[HX Fighter Program]] to replace the [[Finnish Air Force]]'s current fleet of [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18 Hornets]]. The group recognises five potential types: Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/working_group_proposes_multi-role_fighters_to_replace_f_a-18_aircraft.6273.news |title=Working group proposes multi-role fighters to replace F/A-18 aircraft |date=11 June 2015 |access-date=14 June 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150618214823/http://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/working_group_proposes_multi-role_fighters_to_replace_f_a-18_aircraft.6273.news |archive-date=18 June 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2015, the Finnish MoD informed Great Britain, France, Sweden and the US informing them of the launch of the HX Fighter Program to replace the Hornet fleet, which will be decommissioned by 2025, with multi-role fighters; the Rafale is mentioned as a potential fighter.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= Def Min |place= Finland |type= press release |url= http://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/potential_suppliers_were_informed_of_the_launching_of_the_hx_fighter_program.7606.news |title= Potential suppliers were informed of the launching of the HX Fighter Program |date= 18 December 2015 |access-date= 31 December 2015 |archive-date= 28 October 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201028122536/https://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/potential_suppliers_were_informed_of_the_launching_of_the_hx_fighter_program.7606.news |url-status= dead }}</ref> The request for information was sent in early 2016; five responses were received in November 2016.<ref>{{cite web |publisher= Def Min |place= Finland |type= press release |url= http://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/2016/the_finnish_defence_forces_logistics_command_received_responses_concerning_the_replacement_of_the_hornet_aircraft.8083.news |title= The Finnish Defence Forces' Logistics Command received responses concerning the replacement of the Hornet aircraft |date= 22 November 2016 |access-date= 13 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170313220311/http://www.defmin.fi/en/topical/press_releases/2016/the_finnish_defence_forces_logistics_command_received_responses_concerning_the_replacement_of_the_hornet_aircraft.8083.news |archive-date= 13 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2021, the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti reported that several foreign and security policy sources had confirmed the Finnish Defense Forces' recommendation of the F-35 as Finland's next fighter due to its "capability and expected long lifespan".<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/43392/finland-chooses-f-35-as-its-next-fighter-report |title= Finland Chooses F-35 as Its Next Fighter: Report |date= 6 December 2021 |website= The Drive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://theaviationist.com/2021/12/06/f-35-finland/ |title= F-35 Selected by the Finnish Defense Forces to Replace F/A-18 Hornets According to Local Media |date= 6 December 2021}}</ref>

====Kuwait====
In February 2009, French President [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] announced that Kuwait was considering buying up to 28 Rafales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100321/DEFSECT01/3210301/Kuwait-MPs-Object-Rafale-Purchase-Deal |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729034728/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100321/DEFSECT01/3210301/Kuwait-MPs-Object-Rafale-Purchase-Deal |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 July 2012|title=Kuwait MPs Object To Rafale Purchase Deal|newspaper=Defense News|date=21 March 2010}}</ref> In October 2009, during a visit to Paris, the Kuwaiti Defence Minister expressed interest in the Rafale and said that he was awaiting Dassault's terms.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/10/23/Kuwait-eyeing-Rafale-jets/UPI-59321256335933/|title=Kuwait eyeing Rafale jets|work=United Press International|date=23 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027194007/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/10/23/Kuwait-eyeing-Rafale-jets/UPI-59321256335933/ |archive-date=27 October 2009}}</ref> Islamist lawmakers in the Kuwaiti national assembly threatened to block such a purchase, accusing the Defence Minister of lack of transparency and being manipulated by business interests.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/03/23/Kuwaiti-MPs-seek-to-block-Rafale-sale/UPI-84161269368170/|title=Kuwaiti MPs seek to block Rafale sale|work=United Press International|date=23 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325222057/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2010/03/23/Kuwaiti-MPs-seek-to-block-Rafale-sale/UPI-84161269368170/ |archive-date=25 March 2010}}</ref> In January 2012, the French Defence Minister said that both Kuwait and Qatar were waiting to see if the UAE first purchased the Rafale and that Kuwait would look to buy 18–22 Rafales.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/qatar-and-kuwait-wait-to-follow-uaes-lead-over-purchase-of-rafale-fighter-jets-from-france|title=Qatar and Kuwait wait to follow UAE's lead over purchase of Rafale fighter jets from France|newspaper=[[The National (Abu Dhabi)|The National]]|date=10 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113003055/http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/middle-east/qatar-and-kuwait-wait-to-follow-uaes-lead-over-purchase-of-rafale-fighter-jets-from-france |archive-date=13 January 2012}}</ref> However, on 11 September 2015, Eurofighter announced that an agreement had been reached with Kuwait to buy 28 Typhoons.<ref name=kuwait>{{cite news|title=Eurofighter welcomes the agreement between Italy and Kuwait for the supply of 28 Eurofighter Typhoons |url=https://www.eurofighter.com/news-and-events/2015/09/eurofighter-welcomes-the-agreement-between-italy-and-kuwait-for-the-supply-of-28-eurofighter-typhoons |agency=Eurofighter|date=11 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004092215/https://www.eurofighter.com/news-and-events/2015/09/eurofighter-welcomes-the-agreement-between-italy-and-kuwait-for-the-supply-of-28-eurofighter-typhoons |archive-date=4 October 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kuwait Opts For Eurofighter Typhoon |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/kuwait-opts-eurofighter-typhoon |work=Aviation Week & Space Technology|date=11 September 2015 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928081554/http://aviationweek.com/defense/kuwait-opts-eurofighter-typhoon |archive-date=28 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Singapore====
{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Singapore}}

In 2005, the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] launched its Next Generation Fighter (NGF) programme to replace its ageing [[ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk|A-4SU Super Skyhawks]]. Several options were considered and the [[Defence Science & Technology Agency]] (DSTA) conducted a detailed technical assessment, simulations and other tests to determine the final selection. This reduced the list of competitors to the Rafale and the [[F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15SG Strike Eagle]]. In December 2005, Singapore ordered 12 F-15SGs.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/dec/12dec05_nr.html |title=Singapore Seals Deal to Acquire Twelve F-15SG |date=12 December 2005 |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060325154941/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2005/dec/12dec05_nr.html |archive-date=25 March 2006}}</ref> According to ''Defense Industry Daily'', key reasons for the selection were that, despite the Rafale's superior aerodynamics, it had insufficient range, weapons, and sensor integration.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/singapores-rsaf-decides-to-fly-like-an-eagle-01141/|title=F-15SG: Singapore's RSAF Decides to Fly Like An Eagle|work=Defense Industry Daily|date=1 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211004202/https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/singapores-rsaf-decides-to-fly-like-an-eagle-01141/ |archive-date=11 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Switzerland====
{{main|Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement#Switzerland}}

In February 2007, Switzerland was reportedly considering the Rafale and other fighters to replace its ageing [[Northrop F-5|Northrop F-5 Tiger IIs]].<ref>''Le Temps'', 13 February 2007.</ref> A one-month evaluation started in October 2008 at Emmen Airforce Base, consisting of approximately 30 evaluation flights; the Rafale, along with the JAS 39 Gripen and the Typhoon, were evaluated.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzz.ch/aktuell/startseite/zwei-franzoesische-rafale-in-emmen-gelandet--1.1072196 |title=Rafale für Testflüge in der Schweiz gelandet |newspaper=[[Neue Zuercher Zeitung]]|language=de|date=9 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218223914/http://www.nzz.ch/aktuell/startseite/zwei-franzoesische-rafale-in-emmen-gelandet--1.1072196 |archive-date=18 December 2014}}</ref> Although a leaked [[Swiss Air Force]] evaluation report revealed that the Rafale won the competition on technical grounds,{{#tag:ref|Quote: "The Rafale was the clear winner of the SAF evaluation, with the Eurofighter second, but the Swiss government opted for the cheaper Gripen package."<ref>{{cite web|author=Pocock, Chris |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/singapore-air-show/2012-02-14/rafale-blowing-hot-again-switzerland-uae|title=Rafale blowing hot again in Switzerland|work=AIN Online|date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216225153/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/singapore-air-show/2012-02-14/rafale-blowing-hot-again-switzerland-uae |archive-date=16 February 2012}}</ref>|group=N}} on 30 November 2011, the Swiss Federal Council announced plans to buy 22 Gripen NGs due to its lower acquisition and maintenance costs.<ref>{{cite news|author=Hoyle, Craig |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rafale-team-fights-back-after-swiss-gripen-win-365471/|title=Rafale team fights back after Swiss Gripen win|newspaper=[[Flightglobal]]|date=30 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205080042/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rafale-team-fights-back-after-swiss-gripen-win-365471/ |archive-date=5 December 2011}}</ref> Due to [[2014 Swiss referendums|a referendum]], this purchase never happened.

In March 2018, Swiss officials named contenders in its Air 2030 program: The Rafale, Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-35.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sprenger|first1=Sebastian|title=Switzerland names contenders in $8 billion 'Air 2030' program |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/03/27/switzerland-names-contenders-in-8-billion-air-2030-program/|website=DefenseNews |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180328061739/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/03/27/switzerland-names-contenders-in-8-billion-air-2030-program/ |archive-date=28 March 2018|location=Cologne, Germany|date=27 March 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=No more than CHF8 billion for new fighter jets |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/defence-strategy_no-more-than-chf8-billion-for-new-fighter-jets/43660584|website=Swiss Info |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109083224/https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/defence-strategy_no-more-than-chf8-billion-for-new-fighter-jets/43660584 |archive-date=9 November 2017|date=8 November 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2018, the Swiss Air Force was reportedly limited to buying a single-engine fighter for budgetary reasons.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Rueben F |title=Update: Switzerland's Air 2030 plan narrows down options |url=https://www.janes.com/article/84023/update-switzerland-s-air-2030-plan-narrows-down-options |website=IHS Jane's 360 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181026154556/https://www.janes.com/article/84023/update-switzerland-s-air-2030-plan-narrows-down-options |archive-date=26 October 2018 |location=Kiev |date=24 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2019, the Rafale performed demonstration flights at [[Payerne Air Base]] for comparison against other bids.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sprenger |first1=Sebastian |title=The F-35 and other warplanes descend on Switzerland this spring |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/04/11/the-f-35-and-other-warplanes-descend-on-switzerland-this-spring/ |website=Defense News |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190411234148/https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/04/11/the-f-35-and-other-warplanes-descend-on-switzerland-this-spring/ |archive-date=11 April 2019 |location=Cologne, Germany |date=11 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 June 2021, the [[Federal Council (Switzerland)|Swiss Federal Council]] proposed to [[Federal Assembly (Switzerland)|Parliament]] the acquisition of 36 F-35As<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/dokumentation/medienmitteilungen/bundesrat.msg-id-84275.html|title=Air2030: Bundesrat beschliesst Beschaffung von 36 Kampfflugzeugen des Typs F-35A|website=admin.ch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41362/switzerland-chooses-f-35-as-its-next-fighter-jet|title= Switzerland Chooses F-35 as Its Next Fighter Jet|date= 30 June 2021}}</ref> at a cost of up to 6&nbsp;billion [[Swiss franc]]s (US$6.5&nbsp;billion), citing the aircraft's cost- and combat-effectiveness.<ref>{{cite news |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |date=30 June 2021 |title=Lockheed's F-35 topples competition in Swiss fighter contest |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/06/30/lockheeds-f-35-topples-competition-in-swiss-fighter-contest/ |work=defensenews.com}}</ref> However, it was later confirmed that the costs are capped for a period of just 10 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.20min.ch/fr/story/la-polemique-autour-du-prix-des-f-35-continue-109596339098|title=Avions de combat – La polémique autour du prix des F-35 continue|date=11 July 2021|website=20 minutes}}</ref> The Liberal Greens have promised to examine the F-35's environmental impact.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.24heures.ch/la-suisse-choisit-son-nouvel-avion-de-combat-145347794053 |title=Achat des F-35A américains (direct) – Des réactions contrastées face au choix du Conseil fédéral|website=24 heures|date=30 June 2021 }}</ref> The Swiss anti-military group [[GSoA]] intended to contest the purchase in another national referendum supported by the [[Green Party of Switzerland]] and the [[Social Democratic Party of Switzerland]] (which previously managed to block the Gripen).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.24heures.ch/suisse/change-echec-gripen-aujourdhui/story/22057626|title=Ce qui a changé entre l'échec du Gripen et aujourd'hui|date=8 January 2020 |via=24heures.ch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Swiss government sets sights on F-35A fighter jet fleet|url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/swiss-government-sets-sights-on-f-35a-fighter-jet-fleet/46748510|access-date=2021-06-30|website=[[Swissinfo]]|date=30 June 2021}}</ref> In August 2022, they registered the initiative, with 120,000 people having signed in less than a year (with 100,000 required).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rts.ch/info/suisse/13310924-les-opposants-a-lachat-des-avions-de-combat-f35-ont-depose-leur-initiative.html|title=Les opposants à l'achat des avions de combat F-35 ont déposé leur initiative|date=16 August 2022|website=rts.ch}}</ref>

On 15 September 2022, the Swiss National council gave the Federal council permission to sign the purchase deal, with a time limit for signing of March 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Der Nationalrat gibt grünes Licht für die Beschaffung des F-35 |date=15 September 2022 |url=https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/kampfjet-soll-abheben-der-nationalrat-gibt-gruenes-licht-fuer-die-beschaffung-des-f-35 |access-date=16 September 2022}}</ref> The deal to buy 36 F-35A was signed on 19 September 2022, with deliveries to commence in 2027 and conclude by 2030, bypassing the popular initiative.<ref>{{cite web |title=Air2030: Beschaffungsvertrag für die Kampfflugzeuge F-35A unterzeichnet |url=https://www.vbs.admin.ch/content/vbs-internet/de/home.detail.nsb.html/90403.html |publisher=Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport |access-date=19 September 2022 |archive-date=27 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227165235/https://www.vbs.admin.ch/content/vbs-internet/de/home.detail.nsb.html/90403.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Schweiz unterzeichnet Kaufvertrag für F-35 |date=19 September 2022 |url=https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/vertrag-zur-beschaffung-der-f-35-jets-unterschrieben-793541527081 |publisher=Tagesanzeiger |access-date=19 September 2022}}</ref>

====Other bids====
In 2002, the [[Republic of Korea Air Force]] chose the F-15K Slam Eagle over the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Sukhoi Su-35 for its 40 aircraft [[F-X fighter program#F-X Phase 1|F-X Phase 1]] fighter competition.<ref>{{cite web |author=Govindasamy, Siva |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/south-korean-f-15k-deal-may-close-by-end-2007-218740/ |title=South Korean F-15K deal may close by end 2007 |work=[[Flightglobal]] |date=22 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105100722/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/south-korean-f-15k-deal-may-close-by-end-2007-218740/ |archive-date=5 November 2012}}</ref>

In January 2007, the French newspaper ''Journal du Dimanche'' reported that Libya sought 13 to 18 Rafales "in a deal worth as much as US$3.24&nbsp;billion".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/france-aviation-rafale-idUKL1475276120070114|title=UPDATE 3-Dassault source denies reported Libya Rafale order|work=Reuters|date=14 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412002250/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2007/01/14/france-aviation-rafale-idUKL1475276120070114 |archive-date=12 April 2013}}</ref> In December 2007, [[Saif al-Islam Gaddafi]] declared Libya's interest in the Rafale,<ref>{{cite news|author1=Antonovics, Nick |author2=Belot, Jean-Michel |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/libya-france-idUSL0525349320071205|title=France to sell Libya up to 14 fighter jets – report|work=Reuters|date=5 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013082324/https://www.reuters.com/article/2007/12/05/libya-france-idUSL0525349320071205 |archive-date=13 October 2012}}</ref> but no order was placed. French Rafales later attacked targets in Libya as part of the international [[military intervention]] during the [[2011 Libyan civil war]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/libye-les-rafale-tirent-des-missiles-de-croisiere-scalp|title=Libye : Les Rafale tirent des missiles de croisière Scalp|language=fr|work=Mer et Marine|date=25 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031112546/http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/libye-les-rafale-tirent-des-missiles-de-croisiere-scalp |archive-date=31 October 2012}}</ref>

In late 2007, ''La Tribune'' reported that a prospective US$2.85&nbsp;billion sale to Morocco had fallen through, the government selecting the F-16C/D instead.<ref>{{cite news|author=Newby, Andrew |url=http://www.abcmoney.co.uk/news/212007138523.htm|title=Dassault Aviation to lose Rafale order in Morocco to Lockheed Martin – report |work=ABC Money|date=21 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826072525/http://www.abcmoney.co.uk/news/212007138523.htm |archive-date=26 August 2013}}</ref><ref name=Jarry_Emmanuel>{{cite news|author=Jarry, Emmanuel |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/france-defence-sales-idUSL2474425620071024|title=France to rejig arms sales after Rafale flop|work=Reuters|date=24 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412002248/https://www.reuters.com/article/2007/10/24/france-defence-sales-idUSL2474425620071024 |archive-date=12 April 2013}}</ref> While French Defense Minister [[Hervé Morin]] labelled it as overly sophisticated and too costly, defense analysists have said that miscalculations of the DGA's offer price and hesitations over financing were detrimental to the negotiations.<ref name=Jarry_Emmanuel/><ref>{{cite news |last=Lancesseur |first=Alain |url=http://www.lesechos.fr/19/10/2007/LesEchos/20029-079-ECH_echec-du-rafale-au-maroc---un-gachis-franco-francais.htm |title=Echec du Rafale au Maroc : un gâchis franco-français |date=19 October 2007 |language=fr |newspaper=[[Les Échos (France)|Les Échos]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023852/http://www.lesechos.fr/19/10/2007/LesEchos/20029-079-ECH_echec-du-rafale-au-maroc---un-gachis-franco-francais.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2009, France offered Rafales to Oman to replace its ageing fleet of SEPECAT Jaguars.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jarry, Emmanuel |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/france-oman-fighters-idINLB71245420090211|title=France offers Rafale fighter to Oman – sources|work=Reuters|date=11 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517081149/http://in.reuters.com/article/2009/02/11/france-oman-fighters-idINLB71245420090211 |archive-date=17 May 2012}}</ref> In December 2012, Oman placed an order for 12 Typhoons.<ref>{{cite news|author=Hoyle, Craig |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/oman-edges-closer-to-typhoon-deal-says-uk-340413/|title=Oman edges closer to Typhoon deal says UK|work=[[Flightglobal]]|date=9 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114025300/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/oman-edges-closer-to-typhoon-deal-says-uk-340413/ |archive-date=14 January 2012}}</ref><ref name="Oman_typhoon">{{cite news|author=Wall, Robert|title=BAE's $4 Billion Oman Order Extends U.K. Fighter Heritage |date=21 December 2012 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-21/bae-s-4-billion-omani-order-extends-british-combat-jet-heritage.html |publisher=Bloomberg News|access-date=30 December 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131023181830/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-21/bae-s-4-billion-omani-order-extends-british-combat-jet-heritage.html |archive-date= 23 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Variants==
[[File:Rafalefamily.jpg|thumb|Rafale B/C and M]]

;Rafale A: Technology demonstrator, first flew in 1986.<ref name="Williams p.92"/>
;Rafale D: Dassault used this designation (D for ''discrète'') in the early 1990s to emphasise the new semi-stealthy design features.<ref name=Gaines_p80>Gaines 1989, p. 80.</ref>
;Rafale B: Two-seater version for the French Air and Space Force.<ref name=Eden_p169/>
;Rafale C: Same as Rafale B but single-seat version for the French Air and Space Force.<ref name=Eden_p169/>
;Rafale M: Similar to Rafale C, but with modifications to allow operations from [[CATOBAR]] – equipped aircraft carriers. For carrier operations, the M model has a strengthened airframe, longer nose gear leg to provide a more nose-up attitude, larger [[tailhook]] between the engines, and a built-in boarding ladder. Consequently, the Rafale M weighs about {{convert|500|kg|lb|abbr=on}} more than the Rafale C.<ref name=Eden_p169/><ref name="Williams 2002, pp. 94–95"/> It is the only non-US fighter type cleared to operate from the decks of US carriers, using catapults and their [[arresting gear]], as demonstrated in 2008 when six Rafales from ''Flottille 12F'' integrated into the {{USS|Theodore Roosevelt|CVN-71|6}} Carrier Air Wing interoperability exercise.<ref name="SAFRAN-RafaleUSS">{{cite web |url=http://www.safran-group.com/site-safran-en/press-media/media-section/article/french-rafale-lands-on-us-aircraft?6213 |title=French Rafale lands on US aircraft carrier, Theodore Roosevelt |publisher=SAFRAN |date=2 September 2008 |access-date=20 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129033344/http://www.safran-group.com/site-safran-en/press-media/media-section/article/french-rafale-lands-on-us-aircraft?6213 |archive-date=29 November 2014}}</ref>
;Rafale N: Originally called the Rafale BM, was a planned missile-only two-seater version for the ''Aéronavale''.<ref name=MacKenzie_p36/> Budgetary constraints have been cited as grounds for its cancellation.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Tran|first=Pierre|title=France Cuts Two-Seat Rafale Purchase|work=Defense News|date=27 September 2004}}</ref>
;Rafale R: Proposed reconnaissance-oriented variant.<ref name="richardson 114-5"/>
;Rafale DM: Two-seater version for the Egyptian Air Force.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.defens-aero.com/2015/07/les-premiers-rafale-egyptiens-devraient-etre-livres-dans-une-dizaine-de-jours.html |website= Defens-aero.com |title= The first Egyptian Rafale should be delivered within ten days |date= 15 July 2015 |language= Fr |access-date= 16 July 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150717185426/http://www.defens-aero.com/2015/07/les-premiers-rafale-egyptiens-devraient-etre-livres-dans-une-dizaine-de-jours.html |archive-date= 17 July 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;Rafale EM: Single-seat version for the Egyptian Air Force.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.defensa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15954:francia-entregara-la-fragata-fremm-a-egipto-el-proximo-dia-23&catid=64:restomundo&Itemid=187 |website= defensa.com |title= Francia entregará la fragata FREMM a Egipto el próximo día 23 |date= 18 June 2015 |language= es |access-date= 18 June 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150618201816/http://www.defensa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15954:francia-entregara-la-fragata-fremm-a-egipto-el-proximo-dia-23&catid=64:restomundo&Itemid=187 |archive-date= 18 June 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;Rafale DH: Two-seater version for the Indian Air Force.<ref name="auto2">{{cite news |url= http://www.defens-aero.com/2017/01/rafale-indiens-denomination-rafale-eh-rafale-dh.html |website= defens-aero.com |title= Les Rafale indiens porteront la dénomination Rafale EH et Rafale DH |date= 11 January 2017 |language= fr |access-date= 11 January 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170113135438/http://www.defens-aero.com/2017/01/rafale-indiens-denomination-rafale-eh-rafale-dh.html |archive-date= 13 January 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;Rafale EH: Single-seat version for the Indian Air Force.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2017/07/Dassault-Aviation-Press-Conf-July-26-2017.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=8 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808153957/https://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2017/07/Dassault-Aviation-Press-Conf-July-26-2017.pdf |archive-date=8 August 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
;Rafale DQ: Two-seater version for the Qatar Emiri Air Force.<ref name="shephard">{{cite web |title=Four more Rafales join Qatar Emiri Air Force |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/four-more-rafales-join-qatar-emiri-air-force/ |website=Shephard Media |access-date=11 January 2022 |date=2021-07-28}}</ref>
;Rafale EQ: Single-seat version for the Qatar Emiri Air Force.<ref name="shephard" />
;Rafale DG: Two-seater version for the Hellenic Air Force.<ref name=":1" />
;Rafale EG: Single-seat version for the Hellenic Air Force.<ref name=":4">{{cite web |date=2 June 2023 |title=Προσγειώθηκε στην Τανάγρα και το 15ο Rafale EG "416" στην Τανάγρα |trans-title=The 15th Rafale "416" landed in Tanagra |url=https://doureios.com/afixi-15ou-rafale-stin-tanagra-xeperasan-tis-2000-ores-ptiseon-ta-ellinika-rafale/}}</ref>

==Operators==
<!-- Section is only for current & past operators and operators with signed contracts, not just plans to order. -->

===Current operators===
{{Maplink|frame=yes|text={{legend|#0000FF|Operators}}{{legend|#FF8000|Awaiting delivery}}
<!-- Current operators -->
|id=Q41 |type=shape|fill=#0000FF|stroke-width=0|title=Greece
|id2=Q224 |type2=shape|fill2=#0000FF|stroke-width2=0|title2=Croatia
|id3=Q79 |type3=shape|fill3=#0000FF|stroke-width3=0|title3=Egypt
|id4=Q142 |type4=shape|fill4=#0000FF|stroke-width4=0|title4=France
|id5=Q668 |type5=shape|fill5=#0000FF|stroke-width5=0|title5=India
|id6=Q252 |type6=shape|fill6=#FF8000|stroke-width6=0|title6=Indonesia
|id7=Q846 |type7=shape|fill7=#0000FF|stroke-width7=0|title7=Qatar
|id8=Q878 |type8=shape|fill8=#FF8000|stroke-width8=0|title8=United Arab Emirates
|type9=shape|fill9=#0000FF|stroke-width9=0|title9=Serbia
<!-- Former operators -->
}}

;{{Flag|Croatia}}
* [[Croatian Air Force]] – 12 ex French C/B F3-R Rafales ordered, 10 single-seat C F3-R and 2x two-seat B F3-R fighters. The first six were delivered on 25 April 2024 (2 B + 4 C) and the remaining six single-seaters are to be delivered in 2025.<ref name="Croatia and France finalize Rafale">{{cite web |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/croatia-and-france-finalize-rafale-acquisition/ |title= Croatia and France finalize Rafale acquisition |publisher=dassault-aviation.com |access-date=25 November 2021}}</ref><ref name="flightglobal.com"/> In October 2023, Croatia officially acquired the first aircraft at a ceremony at [[Mont-de-Marsan Air Base]].<ref name="McNeil"/><ref name="janes.com"/> As of April 2024, six aircraft have been delivered.<ref name="vecernji.hr"/>
** [[Zagreb Airport|91st Air Force Base]]

;{{Flag|Egypt}}
* [[Egyptian Air Force]] – 54 ordered with 24 Rafales in service {{as of|2018|12|lc=on}}.<ref name="defenceweb.co.za"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-2019-world-air-forces-directory-454126/|title=Analysis: 2019 World Air Forces Directory|first=Craig|last=Hoyle|date=4 December 2018|website=Flightglobal.com|access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190123181847/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-2019-world-air-forces-directory-454126/ |archive-date=23 January 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Reuters"/>

;{{Flag|France}}: A total of 234 have been ordered out of a planned 286.<ref name="DID Rafale"/> In 2024, 166 units were delivered to the French Armed Forces, with 12 units sold to Greece and another 12 to Croatia, France currently operate around 143 Rafale. Once the deliveries completed, France is expected to field around 225 units. 185 for the Air and Space Force and 40 for the Navy. All units are expected to be delivered by 2035.<ref>https://omnirole-rafale.com/des-annees-80-a-nos-jours/le-rafale-en-chiffres/</ref><ref>https://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/actualites/dga-receptionne-deux-rafale-destines-larmee-lair-lespace</ref><ref name="auto2" /><ref name=44_Rafales>{{cite web |url=http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/44-rafale-marine-auront-ete-livres-fin-2015|title=44 Rafale Marine auront été livrés fin 2015|language=fr|work=Mer et Marine|access-date=28 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221151037/http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/44-rafale-marine-auront-ete-livres-fin-2015 |archive-date=21 December 2015 |url-status=live|date=16 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://m.20minutes.fr/amp/a/4072698 | title=L'Armée de l'air vise « 185 avions de combat Rafale d'ici à 2030 » | date=2 February 2023 }}</ref>
* [[French Air and Space Force]] – ~100;<ref name="dassault-aviation.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2018/07/Dassault-Aviation-Press-Conference-July-19-2018.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720135707/https://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2018/07/Dassault-Aviation-Press-Conference-July-19-2018.pdf |archive-date=20 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=25_July_2014_press_release>{{cite press release |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/07/EN-Dassault-Aviation-_-H1-_-07-25-2014.pdf |title=2014 first half-year results |publisher=Dassault Aviation |date=25 July 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905175126/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2014/07/EN-Dassault-Aviation-_-H1-_-07-25-2014.pdf |archive-date=5 September 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> flying units include:
** [[Saint-Dizier – Robinson Air Base]]
*** ''[[Escadron de Chasse 2/4 La Fayette]]'' (2018–present)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/fre/actualites/la-vie-du-ministere/les-adieux-du-mirage-2000n|title=Les adieux du Mirage 2000N|website=defense.gouv.fr|access-date=2018-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126015857/https://www.defense.gouv.fr/fre/actualites/la-vie-du-ministere/les-adieux-du-mirage-2000n |archive-date=26 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> nuclear strike
*** ''[[Escadron de Chasse 1/7 Provence]]'' (2006–2016)<ref name="Squadrons">{{cite web |url= http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/rafale-deployment-history/ |title=Rafale deployment history |publisher=Dassault Aviation |access-date=18 January 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130929015952/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/rafale-deployment-history/ |archive-date=29 September 2013}}</ref> multirole fighter
*** ''[[Escadron de Chasse 1/4 Gascogne]]'' (2009–present)<ref name=Squadrons /> nuclear strike
*** ''[[Escadron de Transformation Rafale 3/4 Aquitaine]]'' (October 2010–present, Rafale Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) jointly operated by French Air and Space Force and French Naval Aviation)<ref name=Squadrons />
** [[Mont-de-Marsan Air Base]]
*** ''[[Escadron de Chasse 2/30 Normandie-Niemen]]'' (2012–present)<ref name=Squadrons /> multirole fighter
*** ''[[Escadron de Chasse 3/30 Lorraine]]'' (2016–present)<ref name="Squadrons" /> multirole fighter
*** ''[[Escadron de chasse et d'expérimentation 1/30 Côte d'Argent]]'' (2004–present) tactics development and evaluation
** [[Orange-Caritat Air Base]]
*** ''[[Escadron de Chasse 1/5 Vendée]]'' (2024-present)<ref name=":8" /> multirole fighter
** [[Al Dhafra Air Base]], UAE
*** [[Escadron de Chasse 3/30 Lorraine]] (2010–2016)<ref name=":7" /> multirole fighter
*** ''[[Escadron de Chasse 1/7 Provence]]'' (2016–present) multirole fighter
* [[French Navy]] – 46 delivered, 41 active<ref name="M47">{{cite web |last=GroizeIeau |first=Vincent |date=2021-11-19 |title=Rafale Marine : le M47 passe à la trappe |url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/node/267802 |website=Mer et Marine}}</ref>
** Naval Air Base Landivisiau
*** ''Flottille 11F'' (2011–present)<ref name=Squadrons /> multirole carrier fighter
*** ''Flottille 12F'' (2001–present)<ref name=Operational_Rafale_HighBeam /> multirole carrier fighter
*** ''Flottille 17F'' (2016–present)<ref>{{cite web |first=Frédéric |last=Lert |url=http://www.janes.com/article/62317/french-navy-retires-super-etendard |title=French Navy retires Super Etendard |work=IHS Jane's Defence Weekly |date=18 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160925062752/http://www.janes.com/article/62317/french-navy-retires-super-etendard |archive-date=25 September 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> multirole carrier fighter

;{{Flag|Greece}}
* [[Hellenic Air Force]] – Greece ordered 18 Rafales in 2020,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20200913-greece-arms-up-with-new-fighter-jets-frigates-amid-heightened-turkey-tensions|title=Greece to boost arms with 18 new French Rafale jets, frigates amid growing Turkey tensions|date=13 September 2020|website=France 24}}</ref> and an additional six in 2021<ref>{{cite web|date=2021-09-12|title=France confirms deal with Greece for six more Rafale fighter jets |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210912-france-confirms-deal-with-greece-for-six-more-rafale-fighter-jets|website=France 24}}</ref> for a total of 24. The first was delivered on 21 July 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.avionslegendaires.net/2021/07/actu/dassault-aviation-livre-le-premier-chasseur-omnirole-rafale-a-la-grece/|title=Dassault Aviation livre le premier chasseur omnirôle Rafale à la Grèce.|date=21 July 2021}}</ref> A total of 20 have been delivered to the Hellenic Air Force as of October 2024.<ref>{{cite web | title=World Air Forces 2024 | url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 | ref={{sfnref | Anon.}} | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Με 20 Rafale από εχθές η 332 Μοίρα | website=Δούρειος Ίππος | date=2024-10-04 | url=https://doureios.com/me-20-rafale-apo-ehthes-i-332-moira/ | ref={{sfnref|Δούρειος Ίππος|2024}} | access-date=2024-10-30}}</ref>
** [[Tanagra Air Base]]
*** 332nd All Weather Squadron (''Hawks'')<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=332 All Weather Squadron |url=https://www.haf.gr/en/structure/htaf/114-combat-wing/332-all-weather-squadron/|website=haf.gr}}</ref>

;{{Flag|India}}
* [[Indian Air Force]] – 36 (28 single-seat and 8 dual-seat) aircraft ordered.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|title=Second batch of Rafale aircraft reaches India, says IAF |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/second-batch-of-rafale-aircraft-reaches-india-says-iaf/articleshow/79045789.cms|access-date=2020-11-04|website=The Times of India|date=4 November 2020}}</ref> with 2 kept for training missions in France.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-07-27|title=Five Rafale jets leave for India: What happens next |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/five-rafale-jets-leave-for-india-what-happens-next-6525806/|website=The Indian Express}}</ref> By July 2022, all 36 Rafales had been delivered.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Huma |title=Indian Air Force gets 36 Rafale fighter jets! France completes delivery of lethal combat aircraft |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/indian-air-force-gets-36-rafale-fighter-jets-france-completes-delivery-of-lethal-combat-aircraft/2596300/ |access-date=17 July 2022 |publisher=Financial Express |date=16 July 2022}}</ref>
**[[Ambala Air Force Station|Ambala AFS]]<ref name="IAF_Rafale">{{cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ambala-hasimara-iaf-bases-being-readied-for-rafale-jets/articleshow/60899810.cms |title=Ambala, Hasimara IAF bases being readied for Rafale jets |newspaper=The Economic Times |date=1 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210182926/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ambala-hasimara-iaf-bases-being-readied-for-rafale-jets/articleshow/60899810.cms |archive-date=10 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*** [[No. 17 Squadron IAF|No. 17 Squadron]] (''Golden Arrows'')<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/india/story/iaf-resurrects-vintage-golden-arrows-squadron-to-fly-first-batch-of-rafale-jets-1597749-2019-09-10 |title=IAF resurrects vintage 'Golden Arrows' squadron to fly first batch of Rafale jets |website=India Today|date=10 September 2019 |access-date=2019-09-13}}</ref>
** [[Hasimara Air Force Station|Hasimara AFS]]<ref name="IAF_Rafale" />
*** [[No. 101 Squadron IAF|No. 101 Squadron]] (''Falcons'')<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-formally-inducts-rafale-jets-into-101-squadron-of-eastern-air-command-101627520213443.html|title=IAF formally inducts Rafale jets into 101 squadron of Eastern Air Command|date=29 July 2021|website=The Hindustan Times}}</ref>

;{{Flag|Qatar}}
* [[Qatar Emiri Air Force]] – 36 ordered, all delivered. Qatar ordered 24 of the fighters in 2015, and 12 more in 2018. It also has an option to order 36 more.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190605-under-embargo-qatar-takes-delivery-first-rafale-jets|title=Under embargo Qatar takes delivery of first Rafale jets|date=5 June 2019|website=France 24}}</ref> {{As of|2021|11}}, 27 were delivered.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Voort |first=Michel van der |title=Sixth batch of QEAF Rafales delivered |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/sixth-batch-of-qatar-emiri-air-force-qeaf-rafales-delivered |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=scramble.nl |date=27 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2020-03-02 |title=Qatar Takes Delivery of Fifth Batch of Rafale Fighter Jets |url=https://defpost.com/qatar-takes-delivery-of-fifth-batch-of-rafale-fighter-jets/ |website=DefPost |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727163615/https://defpost.com/qatar-takes-delivery-of-fifth-batch-of-rafale-fighter-jets/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> As of 2023, all aircraft were delivered.<ref>The Military Balance 2023, p. 350.</ref>
** [[Dukhan / Tamim Airbase]]
*** 1st Fighter Squadron 'Al Adiyat'

===Future operators===
;{{Flag|India}}
* [[Indian Navy]] – 26 Rafale M planned (price negotiations underway).<ref>{{cite news |title=India kicks off formal procurement process for 26 naval French Rafale fighters | website=[[The Times of India]] | date=28 October 2023 |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-kicks-off-formal-procurement-process-for-26-naval-french-rafale-fighters/articleshow/104764785.cms?from=mdr}}</ref><ref name=":5" />
;{{Flag|Indonesia}}
* [[Indonesian Air Force]] – 42 Rafale F4s on order to be accepted in 2026.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |title=Indonesia purchases the Rafale |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/indonesia-purchases-the-rafale/ |access-date=2022-02-10 |website=Dassault Aviation, a major player to aeronautics}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=RNS |date=2023-12-04 |title=Kasau: Rafale pertama akan ditempatkan di Skadron Udara 12, berikutnya di Skadron Udara 1 dan Skadron Udara 16 |url=https://www.airspace-review.com/2023/12/04/kasau-rafale-pertama-akan-ditempatkan-di-skadron-udara-12-berikutnya-di-skadron-udara-1-dan-skadron-udara-16/ |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=Airspace Review}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramdhani |first=Jabbar |title=RI Resmi Teken Kontrak Beli 42 Jet Tempur Dassault Rafale dari Prancis |url=https://news.detik.com/berita/d-7132333/ri-resmi-teken-kontrak-beli-42-jet-tempur-dassault-rafale-dari-prancis |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=detiknews |language=id-ID}}</ref>
** [[6th Air Wing (TNI AU)|6th Air Wing]] – [[Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport|Roesmin Nurjadin AFB]], [[Pekanbaru]]
*** 12th Air Squadron (''Black Panther'')
*** [[16th Air Squadron (Indonesia)|16th Air Squadron]] (''Rydder'')
** 7th Air Wing – [[Supadio International Airport|Supadio AFB]], [[Pontianak]]
*** 1st Air Squadron (''Equatorial Eagles'')
;{{Flag|Serbia}}
* [[Serbian Air Force and Air Defence]] - 12 Rafales were ordered in August 2024.<ref name="serbia rafale"/> The 12 fighter aircraft are reported to be the F4 version, minus the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] capabilities, with deliveries to be completed by 2029.<ref>https://air-cosmos.com/article/avions-de-combat-rafale-en-serbie-les-details-d-un-contrat-geostrategique-69261</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=France, Serbia sign Rafale fighter jet deal during Macron visit |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/08/29/france-serbia-sign-rafale-fighter-jet-deal-during-macron-visit_6723515_4.html |access-date=11 September 2024 |work=Le Monde |date=29 August 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
;{{Flag|United Arab Emirates}}
* [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] – 80 Rafale F4s on order<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/historical-contract-for-the-acquisition-of-80-rafale-f4-by-the-united-arab-emirates/|title= Press kits – Dassault Aviation|date= 19 May 2023}}</ref>

==Notable accidents==
* On 6 December 2007, a French Air Force twin-seat Rafale crashed during a training flight. The pilot, who suffered from [[spatial disorientation]], died in the accident.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rtl.fr/actualites/article/l-accident-du-rafale-du-a-une-desorientation-spatiale-du-pilote-30052|title=L'accident du Rafale dû à une "désorientation spatiale" du pilote|trans-title=The Rafale accident due to the pilot's 'spatial disorientation' |language=fr|work=RTL|date=10 January 2008|access-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130623064012/http://www.rtl.fr/actualites/article/l-accident-du-rafale-du-a-une-desorientation-spatiale-du-pilote-30052 |archive-date=23 June 2013}}</ref>
* On 24 September 2009, after unarmed test flights, two French Navy Rafales returning to the aircraft carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle|R91|2}}, collided in mid-air about {{convert|30|km}} from the town of [[Perpignan]] in southwest France. One test pilot, identified as François Duflot, died in the accident, while the other was rescued.<ref>{{cite news |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-navy-locates-pilots-body-with-crashed-rafale-333007/ |title=Aviation News: French navy locates pilot's body with crashed Rafale|newspaper=[[Flightglobal]]|date=1 October 2009 |access-date= 15 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130411202244/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/french-navy-locates-pilots-body-with-crashed-rafale-333007/ |archive-date= 11 April 2013}}</ref>
* On 28 November 2010, a Rafale from the carrier ''[[French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle|Charles de Gaulle]]'' crashed in the [[Arabian Sea]]. This aircraft was supporting Allied operations in Afghanistan. The pilot ejected safely and was rescued by a rescue helicopter from the carrier. Later reports said the engines stopped after being starved of fuel due to [[pilot error|confusion by the pilot]] in switching fuel tanks.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/20101128trib000576964/accident-de-rafale-au-large-du-pakistan.html |title= Accident de Rafale au large du Pakistan|trans-title=Rafale accident by Pakistan's shores |newspaper= La Tribune|language= French |date= 28 November 2010|access-date=1 June 2022}}</ref>
* On 2 July 2012, during a joint exercise, a Rafale from the carrier ''Charles de Gaulle'' plunged into the [[Mediterranean Sea]]. The pilot ejected safely and was recovered by an American search and rescue helicopter from the carrier {{USS|Dwight D. Eisenhower|CVN-69|6}}.<ref>{{cite news |last= Quisnel |first= Jean |url= http://www.lepoint.fr/editos-du-point/jean-guisnel/crash-d-un-rafale-en-mediterranee-02-07-2012-1480056_53.php |title= Crash d'un Rafale en Méditerranée |trans-title=A Rafale's crash in the Mediterranean |language=French|newspaper=Le Point|date=2 July 2012|access-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131023060846/http://www.lepoint.fr/editos-du-point/jean-guisnel/crash-d-un-rafale-en-mediterranee-02-07-2012-1480056_53.php |archive-date= 23 October 2013}}</ref>
* On 14 August 2024, two French two-seater Rafale B collided over [[Colombey-les-Belles]]. While one pilot had ejected before crashing into the ground, the trainee and instructor of the second aircraft were reported missing. Both the aircraft were based in [[Saint-Dizier – Robinson Air Base]]. By 15 August, the death of the missing pilots was announced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2 French Rafale Jets Collide Mid-Air, Instructor, Pilot Missing |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/2-french-rafale-jets-collide-mid-air-instructor-pilot-missing-6337097/amp/1 |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=NDTV.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=France-Presse |first=Agence |date=2024-08-14 |title=Two fighter jet pilots die in France after mid-air crash |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/aug/15/rafale-fighter-jets-crash-franch-two-pilots-dead-mid-air-collision |access-date=2024-08-15 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>
<!-- Only significant accidents per [[WP:AIRCRASH-SECTION]]. -->

==Specifications (Rafale C, B and M)==
[[File:Dassault Rafale version.svg|thumb|Dassault Rafale 3-view drawing]]
[[File:Aasm5.jpg|thumb|AASM-Hammer family of weapons]]
[[File:MICA P1220883.jpg|thumb|MICA: short- to medium-range air-to-air missile]]

{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Dassault Aviation,<ref name="Dassault">{{cite web |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/specifications-and-performance-data/ |title=Specifications and performance data |publisher=Dassault Aviation |access-date=18 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131214083449/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/specifications-and-performance-data/ |archive-date= 14 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Superfighters,<ref>Williams 2002, p. 112.</ref> French Navy,<ref name="defense.gouv.fr">{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/decouverte/equipements-moyens-materiel-militaire/aeronefs/rafale-marine |title=Rafale M |work=French Navy |language=fr |access-date=28 August 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131220114753/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/decouverte/equipements-moyens-materiel-militaire/aeronefs/rafale-marine |archive-date= 20 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> International Directory of Military Aircraft<ref name="Frawley_Military">Frawley 2002, p. 69.</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bresson |first=Romain |date=2021-03-17 |title= Le standard F3-R du Rafale désormais pleinement opérationnel |url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/actus-air/le-standard-f3-r-du-rafale-desormais-pleinement-operationnel |access-date=2021-03-20 |website=Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
<!--  General characteristics
-->
|crew=1 or 2
|length m=15.27
|length note=
|span m=10.90
|span note=
|height m=5.34
|height note=
|wing area sqm=45.7
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=10300
|empty weight note=('''B''')<ref name="Collins"/><ref name="Dassault"/>
::::{{cvt|9850|kg}} ('''C''')<ref name="Collins"/><ref name="Dassault"/>
::::{{cvt|10600|kg}} ('''M''')<ref name="Collins"/><ref name="Dassault"/>
|gross weight kg=15000
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=24500
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{cvt|4700|kg|0}} internal for single-seater ('''C'''); {{cvt|4400|kg|0}} for two-seater ('''B''')
*'''Maximum fuel:''' ('''C'''): {{cvt|16550|L|USgal impgal}} ({{cvt|5750|L|USgal impgal}} internal + {{cvt|2300|L|USgal impgal}} in 2x conformal tanks + {{cvt|8500|L|USgal impgal}} in 5 drop tanks){{citation needed|date=December 2019}}
|more general=
<!--  Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[Snecma M88|Snecma M88-4e]]
|eng1 type=[[turbofan]]s
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 kn=50.04
|eng1 note=<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.safran-aircraft-engines.com/military-engines/training-and-combat-aircraft/m88 |title=M88 |date=28 May 2015 |access-date=27 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721100533/https://www.safran-aircraft-engines.com/military-engines/training-and-combat-aircraft/m88 |archive-date=21 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|power original=
|thrust original=
|eng1 kn-ab=75
<!--  Performance
-->
|max speed kmh=1912
|max speed note=<ref name=dassault_specs/> / Mach 1.8<ref name=dassault_specs>{{cite web |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/specifications-and-performance-data/|title=Rafale specifications and performance data|website=Dassault Aviation, a major player to aeronautics}}</ref> at high altitude
:::: {{cvt|1390|km/h|mph kn|disp=semicolon}} / Mach 1.1 at low altitude
*'''[[Supercruise]]:''' on 4 missiles and a 1250-liter belly droptank<ref name="web.archive.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf |title= Fox Three |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071122095016/http://www.dassault-aviation.com/fileadmin/user_upload/redacteur/AUTRES_DOCS/Fox_three/Fox_Three_nr_8.pdf |work= Dassault Aviation |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-11-22|date=22 November 2007}}</ref>
** Mach 1.4 supercruise on Rafale M (navy) version with 6 MICA air-to-air missiles<ref>{{cite web |date=2011-06-20 |title=Fiche Rafale le-Bourget 2011 |url=http://rafalefan.e-monsite.com/medias/files/fiche-rafale-le-bourget-2011.jpg |access-date=2021-04-18}}</ref>
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=
|range note=
|combat range km=1850
|combat range note=on penetration mission with three tanks (5,700 L combined), two SCALP-EG and two MICA AAMs.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}
|ferry range km=3700
|ferry range note=with 3 drop tanks
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling m=15835
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<big>+</big>9 <big>−</big>3.6 (<big>+</big>11 in emergencies)<ref name="AIRFAN431"/><ref name="RafaleSoloDisplay-Pilote 2013">{{cite web |url=http://www.rafalesolodisplay.com/archives-2/la-serie-2013/ |title=Rafale Solo display-Display-Good weather |work=Rafale Solo Display |date=1 January 2013 |access-date=7 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107162139/http://www.rafalesolodisplay.com/archives-2/la-serie-2013/ |archive-date=7 November 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Rafale Bourget Display 2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.rafalefan.e-monsite.com/medias/files/fiche-rafale-le-bourget-2011.jpg |title=Rafale Bourget Display 2011 |date=2011 |access-date=6 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019180910/http://rafalefan.e-monsite.com/medias/files/fiche-rafale-le-bourget-2011.jpg |archive-date=19 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|g limits note="RELEASE STICK" warning appears at 9g{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ms=304.8
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading kg/m2=328
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=0.988 (100% fuel, 2 EM A2A missile, 2 IR A2A missile) version B
|more performance=<!--</br>
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}-->
<!--  Armament
-->
|guns=1× {{convert|30|mm|abbr=on}} [[GIAT 30]]/M791 [[autocannon]] with 125 rounds
|hardpoints=14 External [[hardpoint]]s for Air and Space Force versions (Rafale B/C), 13 for Navy version (Rafale M)
|hardpoint capacity={{convert|9500|kg|abbr=on}} external fuel and ordnance
|hardpoint missiles=<br />
*** '''Air-to-air:'''
****[[MBDA MICA]] EM and IR (most widely used air-to-air missiles on Rafale; MICA-EM and MICA-IR both used for short-range and also for medium-range [[Beyond-visual-range missile|BVR]] combat)
****[[MBDA Meteor]]
****[[Magic II]]
*** '''Air-to-surface:'''
**** [[MBDA Apache]]
**** MBDA [[Storm Shadow]]/SCALP-EG
**** [[Armement Air-Sol Modulaire|AASM]]-Hammer (SBU-38/54/64)
**** GBU-12 [[Paveway]] II, GBU-16 Paveway II, GBU-22 Paveway III, GBU-24 Paveway III, GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II
**** [[AS-30L]]
**** [[Mark 82 bomb|Mark 82]]<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.defense.gouv.fr/fre/air/actus-air/une-nouvelle-capacite-pour-le-rafale |website= defense.gouv.fr |title= New capability for the Rafale |date= 27 March 2017 |language= fr |access-date= 7 April 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171019180209/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/fre/air/actus-air/une-nouvelle-capacite-pour-le-rafale |archive-date= 19 October 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
**** MBDA AM 39-[[Exocet]] air-launched anti-ship missile (one AM 39-Exocet at the central under-fuselage hardpoint)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://omnirole-rafale.com/armement/specifiques/|title= RAFALE: Specific transport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbda-systems.com/product/exocet-am-39/|title= Exocet am39}}</ref>
*** '''Nuclear Deterrence:'''
**** [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée|ASMP-A]] nuclear missile
|hardpoint other=<br />
*** [[Thales Damocles]] targeting pod
*** Thales AREOS (Airborne Recce Observation System) reconnaissance pod<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/content/areos-airborne-reconnaissance-electro-optical-system|title=AREOS : Airborne Reconnaissance Electro Optical System |publisher=Thales Group|access-date=19 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019072039/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/content/areos-airborne-reconnaissance-electro-optical-system |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*** Thales TALIOS multi-function targeting pod<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/talios-0|title=TALIOS |publisher=Thales Group|access-date=19 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923185208/https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/worldwide/defence/talios-0 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
*** Up to 5 [[drop tanks]]
*** Buddy–buddy refueling pod<ref name="Collins"/>
|avionics=* [[Thales Group|Thales]] [[RBE2]]-AA AESA radar
* [[Thales SPECTRA]] Electronic Warfare system.
* [[Thales Group|Thales]]/[[SAGEM]]-OSF [[Optronique secteur frontal|Optronique Secteur Frontal]] [[infra-red search and track]] (IRST) system
}}

==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}{{aircontent
|see also=
* [[Fourth-generation jet fighter]]
|related=
<!-- Similar field removed by consensus because of back and forth edits here over what is comparable and not. See discussion on talk page or talk page archives. Discuss changing on talk page. -->
|lists=
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of France]]
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=N}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{Refbegin|40em}}
* {{Cite journal|title=Rafale A Demonstrates Vertical Acceleration, Climb Performance|journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology|date=20 October 1986|volume=125|issue=16|location=New York|publisher=McGraw-Hill|pages=78–79|issn=0005-2175}}
* {{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%200307.html |title=France prepared to 'go it alone' on ACX |journal= [[Flight International]] |issue=3850|volume=123 |page=445 |date= 13–19 January 1983 |location= Surrey, UK |publisher= Reed Business Information <!-- IPC Transport Press ?? --> |issn= 0015-3710 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130411202240/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%200307.html |archive-date= 11 April 2013}}
* {{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%202189.html |title=Air Superiority |date= 4–10 December 1983 |journal= [[Flight International]] |location=Surrey, UK |publisher= Reed Business Information <!-- IPC Transport Press ?? --> |volume=124 |issue=3892 |page=1509 |issn=0015-3710 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101101091249/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1983/1983%20-%202189.html |archive-date=1 November 2010}}
* {{cite journal |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=MZjobjexWkcC&q=rafale+cockpit&pg=PA33 |title= How to Survive a Dogfight Blackout |journal= [[New Scientist]] |location=London |publisher= Reed Business Information |volume= 109 |page= 33 |date= 20 March 1986 |issn= 0262-4079}}
* {{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%202172.html|title=Military Aircraft of the World |journal=[[Flight International]] |location= London |publisher= Reed Business Information |issue=4281 |volume=140 |page= 34 |date= 21–27 August 1991 |issn= 0015-3710 |access-date= 15 February 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130825074157/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%202172.html |archive-date=25 August 2013}}
* {{cite journal |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%200557.html |title=France orders more Rafales |journal= [[Flight International]] |location=London |publisher=Reed Business Information |issue= 4410 |volume=145 |page=27 |date= 2–8 March 1994 |issn= 0015-3710|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220075225/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1994/1994%20-%200557.html|archive-date=20 December 2014}}
* {{cite book |last= Buttler |first= Tony |title=British Secret Projects: Jet Fighters Since 1950 |location=Hinckley, UK |publisher=Midland Publishing |year=2000 |isbn= 978-1-85780-095-1}}
* {{cite book |last1=Carbonel |first1=Jean-Christophe |title=French Secret Projects |date=2016 |publisher=Crecy Publishing |location=Manchester, UK|volume=1: Post War Fighters |isbn=978-1-91080-900-6}}
* {{cite journal|last=Cook|first=Nick|title=Rafale sets new standards in digital assembly |journal=Interavia Business & Technology |publisher=Aerospace Media Publishing|pages=22–24|date=1 November 1997|issn=0983-1592}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Eden |editor-first=Paul |title=The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft |location= London |publisher= Amber Books |year= 2004 |isbn= 978-1-904687-84-9}}
* {{cite journal|last=Fiszer|first=Michal|title=Storm warning: the Dassault Rafale is poised to become Europe's premier fighter-bomber |journal=Journal of Electronic Defense |publisher=Association of Old Crows|volume=28|issue=6|pages=40–51|issn=0192-429X|date=1 June 2005}}
* {{cite book |editor-last= Forsberg |editor-first= Randall |title= The Arms Production Dilemma: Contraction and Restraint in the World Combat Aircraft Industry |location= Cambridge, MA |publisher= MIT Press |year= 1994 |isbn= 978-0-262-56085-6 |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/armsproductiondi0000fors}}
* {{cite book |last= Frawley |first= Gerard |title=The International Directory of Military Aircraft |location=Fyshwick, AU |publisher= Aerospace Publications |year=2002 |isbn= 978-1-875671-55-7}}
* {{cite journal |last=Gaines |first= Mike |title= Rafale: Dassault's New Dawn |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1989/1989%20-%201760.html |date= 4–10 June 1989 |journal= [[Flight International]]|location=London |publisher=Reed Business Information |issue=4168|volume=135 |pages= 80–88 |issn= 0015-3710 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140120115049/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1989/1989%20-%201760.html |archive-date=20 January 2014}}
* {{cite book |last= Jarret |first= DN |title=Cockpit Engineering |location=Surrey, UK |publisher=Ashgate Publishing |year=2005 |isbn= 978-0-7546-1751-8}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Lenorovitz|first=Jeffrey|title=Rafale Serves as Testbed for French Systems|journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology|volume=124|issue=25|location=New York|publisher=McGraw-Hill|date=23 June 1986|page=79|issn=0005-2175}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Lenorovitz|first=Jeffrey|author-mask=3|title=Rafale Debut Opens Way for Flight Test Program|journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology|volume=133|issue=19|location=New York|publisher=McGraw-Hill|date=5 November 1990|pages=20–22|issn=0005-2175}}
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* {{cite journal |last= Sedbon |first= Gilbert |author-mask= 3 |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%201574.html |title= Dassault flies Rafale demonstrator |journal=[[Flight International]] |location=London |publisher=Reed Business Information |issue=4019 |volume=130 |page=4 |date=6–12 July 1986 |issn= 0015-3710 |access-date= 12 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130411202204/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1986/1986%20-%201574.html |archive-date= 11 April 2013}}
* {{cite journal |last= Sedbon |first= Gilbert |author-mask= 3 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1988/1988%20-%200422.html |title= Crouzet controls by voice |journal=[[Flight International]] |location=London |publisher=Reed Business Information |issue= 4101 |volume=133 |pages= 30–31 |date= 14–20 February 1988 |issn=0015-3710 |access-date=19 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130827072421/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1988/1988%20-%200422.html |archive-date=27 August 2013}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Sedbon |first1=Gilbert |author-mask= 3 |last2=Norris |first2=Guy |title=Power to Progress |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%200941.html |date=10–16 April 1991 |journal= [[Flight International]] |location=London |publisher=Reed Business Information |issue=4262 |volume=139 |pages=32–36 |issn= 0015-3710 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113154346/http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1991/1991%20-%200941.html |archive-date=13 January 2010}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Sparaco|first=Pierre|title=France Seeks Early Export Orders|journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology|volume=145|issue=21|location=New York|publisher=McGraw-Hill|date=18 November 1996|page=29|issn=0005-2175}}
* {{cite book |editor-last= Spick |editor-first= Mike |title= The Great Book of Modern Warplanes |location= St. Paul, MN |publisher= MBI Publishing |year= 2000 |isbn= 978-1-84065-156-0 |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/greatbookofmoder0000spic}}
* {{Cite journal|last1=Svitak|first1=Amy|first2=Caroline|last2=Bruneau|title=Fasionably Late|journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology|volume=177|issue=11|location=New York|publisher=McGraw-Hill|date=8–21 June 2015|pages=59–60|issn=0005-2175}}
* {{cite journal |author=Sweetman, Bill |title=Killer angels: France's Rafale has fire, but will glory remain a mirage? |journal=Journal of Electronic Defense |publisher=Association of Old Crows |volume=25|issue=11|pages=44–48|issn=0192-429X |date=1 November 2002}}
* {{cite book |editor-last= Williams |editor-first= Mel |chapter= Dassault Rafale |title= Superfighters, The Next Generation of Combat Aircraft |location= London |publisher= AIRtime Publishing|year=2002 |isbn=978-1-880588-53-6}}
* {{cite book |last= Wertheim |first= Eric |title= Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems |location= Annapolis, MD |publisher=Naval Institute Press |year=2007 |isbn= 978-1-59114-955-2}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
* {{Citation |url= http://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/introduction |publisher= Dassault Aviation |title= Rafale |type= official page}}
* {{Citation |url= http://www.defense.gouv.fr/air |title= Armée de l'Air |type= official page |publisher= The French Air Force<!-- Ministère de la Défense--> |language= fr}}

{{Dassault aircraft}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Dassault Group aircraft|Rafale]]
[[Category:Canard aircraft]]
[[Category:Carrier-based aircraft]]
[[Category:Delta-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:1980s French fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:Relaxed-stability aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1986]]
[[Category:4.5-generation jet fighters]]