Dassault Rafale NEWS ONLY

[Deltafan]

Maybe no more Rafale (or Gripen, or F-16 or Typhoon) for Colombia...

President Petro questions the replacement of the Colombian Kfir aircraft fleet, pointing out that the money should be used to strengthen preschool education in Colombia

https://twitter.com/x/status/1735361319702843842

View: https://twitter.com/lafm/status/1735361319702843842?s=20

 

[helmutkohl]

Russian Su-30 'Downs' French Rafale Fighters For Kazakhstan Deal; Top Official Denies Interest in ‘Costly’ Jets

Kazakhstan has officially denied considering purchasing France’s Rafale multirole fighter jets and has expressed its inclination to buy the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30SM aircraft, citing a more favorable price-to-quality advantage. Media reports recently suggested that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan...

www.eurasiantimes.com

 

[stealthflanker]

https://www.dassault-aviation.com/e...the-final-tranche-of-18-rafale-for-indonesia/

Entry into force. guess it's official now that we are procuring 42/42 Rafale.

Edit.

Well guess i can celebrate by having simple RCS comparison between Rafale with IFR probe and without one

https://twitter.com/x/status/1744828899085926794

View: https://twitter.com/Flankerchan/status/1744828899085926794


The result is, almost identical. tho not really linear. The contribution of the probe is about +- 0.1 sqm

Graphics	Tabulations

If used in Radar Range equation, that correspond to about 2% changes in detection range. Guess it's a small cost.

 

[TomcatViP]

Just a nice vid:

View: https://youtu.be/6I80iiBSRCQ?si=FKt3O8WPjYuzP-n7

 

[Deltafan]

France buys 42 Rafale jets for more than $5.5 billion

The purchase comes as French lawmakers express concerns about the Franco-German project to develop a successor to the fighter.

www.defensenews.com

 

[TomcatViP]

Delivery from 2027 to 2032 (on average, 8 per year) :

France places $5.5 billion order for 42 new Rafale fighters - Breaking Defense

Sebastien Lecornu, the French armed forces minister, said the order “is excellent news for our sovereignty, our security and our armed forces who will benefit from extra Rafales with modernised operational capacities.”

breakingdefense.com

Notice a ratio of roughly 1 to 2 regarding Indian last order.

 

[TomcatViP]

Production delivery for the last 2 years:

2022: 14
2023: 13

Dassault Aviation : légère baisse des livraisons de Rafale

(AOF) - Dassault Aviation a dressé le bilan de son activité commerciale 2023. Le constructeur aéronautique indique que 60 Rafale ont été commandés (42 France, 18 Indonésie) contre 92 Rafale Export en 2022. 18 "Rafale Indonésie" supplémentaires sont entrés

www.boursorama.com

 

[Deltafan]

IAF Leans Towards G2G Deal for Rafale Jets to Bolster Combat Power – Indian Defence Research Wing

idrw.org

As usual: to be confirmed

 

[Deltafan]

Nothing is done (and I still think the Saudis will prefer to buy the 48 Typhoons delayed by the Germans), but just in case...

To enhance and discuss ways of joint cooperation between the two parties, we were honored to host the French delegation from
@Dassault_OnAir company, at #الإلكترونيات_المتقدمة headquarters, and they were received by CEO Eng. Ziad Al Musallam
@ziadHM , where they were briefed on the company’s most prominent solutions and products.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1747602544212250654

View: https://twitter.com/AECSaudiArabia/status/1747602544212250654?s=20

 

[Deltafan]

As said before, Rafale deal (at the request of Saudi Arabia due to the German embargo, now canceled, on the Typhoon) in Saoudia is not done...

WDS: Three-way dogfight for Saudi fighter order | Times Aerospace

Previously it had been assumed this requirement would be for a new batch of Eurofighter Typhoons, but KSA has been looking at other options following a German ban on exporting the type to Saudi Arabia.

www.timesaerospace.aero

 

[Forest Green]

France complains of Russian 'threats' to military

Paris (AFP) Feb 22, 2024 - France's air force pilots have been threatened with attack by Russian forces during patrol missions in international air space in a sign of rising tensions, French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Thursday.

www.spacewar.com

 

[F.L.]

France complains of Russian 'threats' to military

Paris (AFP) Feb 22, 2024 - France's air force pilots have been threatened with attack by Russian forces during patrol missions in international air space in a sign of rising tensions, French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Thursday.

www.spacewar.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1677006722580242433

View: https://twitter.com/EtatMajorFR/status/1677006722580242433?s=20

But that's ancient, it's not a new.

 

[Forest Green]

But that's ancient, it's not a new.

Yeah sorry, the first link is new, the tweet was old. I assumed they went together for some reason.

 

[Deltafan]

Dassault Aviation Delivers Six Rafale Out Of Twelve To Croatia

Croatia has taken over formal ownership of the Dassault Rafale combat aircraft to be received from France. The Croatian Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced the development on 23 February, saying it now owns the first six of 12 Rafales it has ordered. This milestone came about five months...

www.globaldefensecorp.com

 

[Deltafan]

Bruno Etchenic on LinkedIn: Rapport financier Dassault Aviation 2023

La publication des résultats 2023 de Dassault Aviation a eu lieu ce matin, sur l'iconique péniche "Le Talisman". Voici un compte rendu "à chaud" sur le sujet…

www.linkedin.com

For the production of the Rafale, the rate 3/month began in Seclin for the production of primary parts. With a manufacturing duration of 36 months, we will therefore have to wait until 2026-27 to see 3 Rafales leave Mérignac every month. The delivery rate will therefore gradually reach 2 aircraft per month (20 aircraft to be delivered in 2024).

The supply chain problems encountered throughout the global aeronautics sector will continue during 2024, but as for deliveries for the Rafale, the risks are limited and involve relatively anecdotal delivery delays. Two Rafales planned for the Air and Space Force were, for example, delivered at the start of the year instead of at the end of last year (13 aircraft delivered out of 15 in 2023)

 

[aonestudio]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1772881259145965816

View: https://twitter.com/DGA/status/1772881259145965816

 

[Forest Green]

France's Rafale Is Set To Be Serbia’s Next Fighter

Serbia looks set to buy French Rafale fighters in a significant shift away from dependence on Russia for combat aircraft and other arms.

www.twz.com

Vouraikos Canyon, near Kalavryta, Greece

 

[Deltafan]

Iraq: PM Al-Sudani’s visit to the U.S. and Rafale file update

Iraqi PM Al-Sudani's visit to the U.S. discussed bilateral defense and economic ties, including the potential procurement of Rafale fighter jets. Get insights into the outcomes and challenges.

www.tacticalreport.com

 

[Deltafan]

The first six of the 12 French Rafale F3-R multirole fighter jets ordered landed at around 12.30 pm on the runway of the 'Colonel Marko Zivkovic' barracks in Velika Gorica

Anušić zahvalio Plenkoviću, mnogi zapljeskali. Milanović nije bio među njima

Prvih šest od ukupno 12 naručenih francuskih višenamjenskih borbenih aviona tipa Rafale F3-R doletjet će iza 12.30 sati iz Bordeauxa na pistu vojarne 'Pukovnik Marko Živković' u Velikoj Gorici

www.tportal.hr

 

[GTX]

Rafale fighter jet enters service in Croatian Air Force

 

[TomcatViP]

I think we could make some good usage of a direct link to the video and Pics (from AP) for the fans here

(while waiting for a photo shoot of some low flying action along the beautifully crafted sea shores of Croatia)

View: https://youtu.be/VpeEom-xWzc

Croatian officials welcome the arrival of Rafale fighter jets purchased from France

The first six of 12 Rafale multipurpose fighter jets purchased by Croatia from France have landed at an air force base near Zagreb with a welcome ceremony attended by top officials.

apnews.com

 

[Marcellogo]

I think we could make some good usage of a direct link to the video and Pics (from AP) for the fans here

(while waiting for a photo shoot of some low flying action along the beautifully crafted sea shores of Croatia)

View: https://youtu.be/VpeEom-xWzc

Croatian officials welcome the arrival of Rafale fighter jets purchased from France

The first six of 12 Rafale multipurpose fighter jets purchased by Croatia from France have landed at an air force base near Zagreb with a welcome ceremony attended by top officials.

apnews.com

Done, First of may they made a fly-off along all Croatia to commemorate Operacjia Bljesak.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amItlfQATQo&t=390s

Operation Flash - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Deltafan]

Maybe between (at least) 6 and 10 more Rafale (F4), for Greece :

the need to acquire at least an additional 8-10 new fighters has been expressed with the aim of forming another Fighter Squadron.

Σε προχωρημένο επίπεδο η απόκτηση επιπλέον μαχητικών Rafale για τη Πολεμική Αεροπορία - Defence Review

Σε προχωρημένο επίπεδο βρίσκονται οι συζητήσεις μεταξύ της Πολεμικής Αεροπορίας και της Γαλλικής Dassault Aviation με αντικείμενο την απόκτηση νέων Rafale (διαμόρφωσης F4). Σύμφωνα με πληροφορίες του DefenceReview.gr, τις επόμενες βδομάδες αναμένεται να έρθουν στην Αθήνα στελέχη της γαλλικής...

defencereview.gr

New purchase of French Rafale fighters of at least six more is in the works.

Στα σκαριά η αγορά 6 ακόμη μαχητικών Rafale - Απευθείας συνεννοήσεις Μητσοτάκη και Μακρόν

Νέα προμήθεια μαχητικών αεροσκαφών Rafale προετοιμάζει το Μέγαρο Μαξίμου. Όλο το παρασκήνιο. Νέα αγορά Γαλλικών μαχητικών Rafale τουλάχιστον άλλων έξι βρίσκεται στα σκαριά. Όπως και οι προηγούμενες δυο αγορές γίνονται με απευθείας συνεννόηση μεταξύ Κυριάκου Μητσοτάκη και Εμανουέλ Μακρόν οι...

www.ieidiseis.gr

As usual, to be confirmed.

 

[snne]

As first reported by the Greek portal Defence Review on May 10, 2024, the talks between the Greek authorities and the French manufacturer Dassault Aviation have progressed to an advanced stage. Discussions are focused on acquiring up to 10 fighters built to the upcoming F4 standard. Executives from Dassault are expected to visit Athens in the coming weeks for negotiations.

“The Hellenic Air Force General Staff has expressed the need to acquire 8 to 10 additional new aircraft to form another fighter squadron,” Defence Review reported. “Furthermore, he explicitly and categorically stated to the leadership of the Ministry of Defense that this is a fundamental condition for the withdrawal of Mirage 2000-5s to cover operational needs.”

https://twitter.com/x/status/1789979812901109831

View: https://x.com/FHAeromedia/status/1789979812901109831

 

[snne]

With this backlog and the annual delivery rate that Rafale has, I think the French Airforce is going to be desperate for new airframes even with the new 42 aircraft order. They're even talking about transfering M2000s to Ukr, I reckon this can't go on for long.

 

[Archibald]

Well the target was 180 AdA Rafales by 2030, to get a 225 Rafale force including the CdG Rafale M (47, last time I checked).
For some obscure reasons the target has been split to 137 by 2030 and the 180 by 2035. The 55 Mirage 2000D and 30 Mirage 2000-5F will have to endure longer. As such, none will be send to Ukraine, only Greek or UAE or Abu Dhabi Mirages.
The 2000-5F are too old and too few. The 2000D are specialized bombers. Better for UKR to have multirole F-16s.

RAFALE : Livraisons et coûts - RAFALE : The omnirole fighter

Point de situation sur les livraisons et coûts des Rafale.

omnirole-rafale.com

 

[H_K]

Well the target was 180 AdA Rafales by 2030, to get a 225 Rafale force including the CdG Rafale M (47, last time I checked).
For some obscure reasons the target has been split to 137 by 2030 and the 180 by 2035. The 55 Mirage 2000D and 30 Mirage 2000-5F will have to endure longer.

My understanding is the target is now 185 AdA Rafales by 2035, and 40 navy Rafale Ms.

The latest order of 42 Rafales will bring the AdA fleet to 137 by 2030 and ~160 Rafales by 2032. The Mirage 2000-5F replacement is included in this number.

That leaves about ~50 Mirage 2000Ds, to be replaced by 25-30 Rafale F5s around 2033-35 to reach the 185 target.

 

[FighterJock]

Will the Rafale F5 be a special adapted variant or just more modern Rafale's with upated software/engines and perhaps better sturdier hard points to carry a heavier weapons load like what the Mirage 2000D can curently carry?

 

[Manuducati]

Will the Rafale F5 be a special adapted variant or just more modern Rafale's with upated software/engines and perhaps better sturdier hard points to carry a heavier weapons load like what the Mirage 2000D can curently carry?

What load is the 2000D carrying that the Rafale would not be able to?

 

[FighterJock]

You are right Manuducati, so apsolutely no need for a special sub variant of the Rafale then.

 

[Forest Green]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1793319863320011211

View: https://x.com/Archer83Able/status/1793319863320011211

 

[Deltafan]

Synopsis
India and France will begin negotiations on May 30 for a Rs 50,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. The French delegation will meet Indian Defence Ministry officials to finalize the agreement by fiscal year-end. The jets will operate from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...ofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

 

[Deltafan]

Greece:

Prime Minister: “Right now we have 24 Rafales. We would like to make them 30, this is the proposal of the PA".

https://twitter.com/x/status/1795747369352667428

View: https://twitter.com/e_amyna/status/1795747369352667428

 

[snne]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1801516798808129974

View: https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/1801516798808129974

 

[F-2]

Dassault Corporate - Media

Anyone able to get these running on a modern PC? This models could be very handy references.

 

[F-2]

Poland is also not interested in acquiring second-hand F-16s.
Link: https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/poland-shoots-down-used-f-16ab-acquisition-435508/

Back to the topic Rafale. B)


Source: http://rafalenews.blogspot.com/2017/03/rafale-f4-standard-launched.html

Is this Engine upgrade happening ? I keep hearing whispers of it for F5 standard but I have yet to find a real source

 

[TomcatViP]

Last time we heard about this, it was not.

One of the problem of the Rafale config, IMOHO, is that it´s completely dead locked for any major upgrade. Increase in thrust needs more airflow and the close coupled ensemble of the Cannard, wing LE, fuselage contour and inlet make it a hard nut to crack amid the daily routine of a constantly evolving program.
The Mirage architecture was more compliant for radical changes (see Mirage to Kfir or Delta to VG).

 

[F-2]

Last time we heard about this, it was not.

One of the problem of the Rafale config, IMOHO, is that it´s completely dead locked for any major upgrade. Increase in thrust needs more airflow and the close coupled ensemble of the Cannard, wing LE, fuselage contour and inlet make it a hard nut to crack amid the daily routine of a constantly evolving program.
The Mirage architecture was more compliant for radical changes (see Mirage to Kfir or Delta to VG).

I had heard weight and balance was a huge issue. Now that I think about it the Gripen and J-10 needed substantial redesign to accommodate bigger engines, more so the Gripen. Is this just an inherent difficulty with close coupled canards?

 

[Deltafan]

Is this Engine upgrade happening ? I keep hearing whispers of it for F5 standard but I have yet to find a real source

As said before, the current structure can accept a power increase of up to 8.3 T (instead of 7.5 T) without modification. 16.6 T is still better than 15 T. But, for the moment, officially, nothing has ever been announced for the implementation of this development.

 

[Scorpion82]

As far as I understand it, at least it was told in the past, the feont air intake section can be replaced. The canards have nothing to do with it.

Enlarged inlets were proposed in conjunction with the M88-3. Priority was eventually given to a decrease in SFC and durability and maintainability improvements. In the future the primary requirement most likely is sqeezing out more electrical power for new/upgraded equipment and possibly more bleed air for cooling.