Egypt’s order for an additional 30 Rafale fighter aircraft from France’s Dassault Aviation has come into force, the company announced on November 15.
The $4.5 billion deal from May this year will bring the total number of Rafale fighters in Egyptian Air Force service to 54, making it the second-largest Rafale operator after the French Air Force.
Earlier this year, France also secured Rafale export agreements with the governments of Greece and Croatia. Greece will be procuring a total of 24 airframes, while Croatia is buying 12 second-hand Rafales to replace its aging MiG-21 aircraft.
“In a demanding geopolitical context, Egypt has chosen the Rafale to ensure its role as a key player in the regional and international arena, in full sovereignty. This is an honor for Dassault Aviation and its partners, who are fully committed to meeting the expectations of the Egyptian authorities,” said Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
Originally developed for both the French Air Force and the Navy, the Rafale is a multi-role fighter capable of performing mission ranging missions from air-defense/air-superiority, reconnaissance, close air support, to anti-ship attacks, and nuclear deterrence.
