Dassault Aviation completed production of its 300th Rafale fighter jet as the French aircraft manufacturer works to increase output and meet surging international demand for the multirole combat aircraft.
The French airframer announced the milestone Monday, saying the 300th jet rolled off the production line earlier this month. The company declined to identify which customer will receive the aircraft.
Dassault plans to boost production rates to four aircraft per month as it fulfills contracts spanning nine countries. The manufacturer expects to hand over 25 Rafales in 2025, with 13 going to the French air force and the remainder to foreign buyers.
The company’s current order book includes 48 jets for the French air force, along with export contracts for Egypt (26 aircraft), the Indian navy (26), Indonesia (42), Serbia (12), and the United Arab Emirates (80).
Since deliveries began in 2004, lifetime orders for the Rafale have reached 533 aircraft for the French air force and navy and eight international customers.
Aviation analytics company Cirium reports that 280 Rafales are currently in operational service with six nations. France operates the largest fleet with 104 aircraft in its air force and 41 in naval service. Other operators include Qatar (36), India (35), Egypt (28), Greece (24), and Croatia (12).
The twin-engine fighter is manufactured in single- and twin-seat versions designated C and B for air force use, while the M-model serves aboard aircraft carriers. The manufacturer positions the aircraft as highly versatile across multiple mission types.
The production milestone comes as one Indian air force Rafale was destroyed during a clash with Pakistan earlier this year, according to Cirium data. Eight other Rafales have been lost in accidents since the program began. Two aircraft remain in storage, while three serve as test assets for France’s DGA defense procurement agency.
Key Takeaways
- Dassault Aviation completed its 300th Rafale fighter jet, marking a production milestone since deliveries began in 2004.
- The manufacturer plans to increase output to four aircraft per month to meet demand from international customers.
- Lifetime orders total 533 aircraft across nine countries, with current contracts including 48 for France and 214 for export buyers.
- Six nations currently operate 280 Rafales in active service, with France maintaining the largest fleet at 145 aircraft.
- The company expects to deliver 25 Rafales in 2025, split between the French air force and foreign customers.
