France triples production of fourth-generation Dassault Rafale fighters

Production of Dassault Rafale fighters has tripled. However, there is one important nuance.

Here's What We Know

Yes, the information about a threefold increase in the production of fourth-generation fighters sounds beautiful. It was voiced by French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu. But, as we wrote above, there is one important nuance.

It lies in the number of aircraft. Production has indeed tripled, but the level of Lockheed Martin is not even a dream. Now France receives not one but three fighters per month, i.e. three dozen per year.

The European country has to increase aircraft production because of the war in Ukraine. No, France will not give Ukraine its fighter jets, much less new ones. However, the war has spurred other countries to buy.

Specifically, Indonesia is buying 18 planes and Qatar will consider ordering two dozen. In the summer, India approved the purchase of 26 Rafale M fighters for the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. But the biggest order could come from Saudi Arabia. Because of the blockage of Eurofighter Typhoon deliveries, the kingdom is ready to opt for 100-200 French jets.

Last year, Dassault Rafale fighter jets brought almost $18bn to France. They took more than 50 per cent in the structure of military exports. In total, France sold $30bn worth of arms during 2022, which was a new record. Moreover, 64% of these sales went to the Middle East countries.