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The French defence procurement agency, DGA, ordered an additional 42 Rafale combat aircraft for the French Air Force from Dassault Aviation, valued at over €5 billion.
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“On behalf of Dassault Aviation and the 400 companies involved in the Rafale program, I would like to thank the Ministry for the Armed Forces, the DGA, and the AAE for their renewed confidence,” Éric Trappier, chairman and chief executive officer of Dassault Aviation, said.
“We are ready and determined to use our skills as prime contractor and complex systems integrator to serve the sovereignty of our nation. This military industrial sovereignty is an exception in Europe. It guarantees the superiority of our combat aviation. It is also an asset for diplomatic influence and an economic strength in export trade.”
Taking to Twitter, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, Sebastien Lecornu, outlined that the deal totalled over €5 billion.
Billed as the “world’s only ‘omni-role’ aircraft”, the Rafale is capable of operating from land and aircraft carriers and can operate in a range of combat missions including air-to-air intercept and combat, air support, deep strikes, anti-ship missions, and strategic reconnaissance.
Dassault Aviation also confirmed that the French variant of the aircraft is capable of undertaking nuclear deterrence.
The aircraft has seen combat in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria. France has ordered a total 234 units of the aircraft since the 1990s. The Rafale has been acquired by Egypt, Qatar, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
In mid-2023, Dassault Aviation confirmed 18 additional Dassault Rafale fighter jets will be manufactured for the Indonesian Air Force.
The second tranche of 18 Rafale came into force as part of the contract signed by Indonesia on February 2022 for the acquisition of 42 Rafale aircraft, according to a Dassault statement on 10 August.
The Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Udara (INAAF) acquisition brings the total number of French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multi-role fighter aircraft on order to 24.
Trappier said the acquisition of Rafale aircraft includes a complete “turnkey” solution as well as a substantial industrial return for the Indonesian aeronautical sector.
“This new step consolidates the beginning of a long-term partnership with the Indonesian authorities, whom I would like to thank once again for their confidence,” he said.
“It testifies to the strategic link that unites Indonesia and France and will be reflected in the growing presence of Dassault Aviation in the country.”
Educational projects will also be launched as part of the technical training, he said.
