On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the French company Dassault Aviation unveiled the first of 80 Rafale F4 multi-role aircraft ordered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The record-breaking contract, signed on December 3, 2021, was valued at 15 billion EUR.
Photos: A. Bonfort, Dassault Aviation
The presentation, which took place at the Dassault Aviation facility in Mérignac, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Gironde department, was attended by: Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans, Mohamed Bin Moubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, UAE Secretary of State for Defense in the Ministry of Defense.
It is worth noting that the contract was signed by Éric Trappier and Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, CEO of the UAE Economic Council Tawazun, in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the Prime Minister and Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces. Aircraft deliveries are set to begin in 2027.
The Rafale F4 is the latest version of the French multi-role fighter, developed for domestic armed forces. It was ordered on January 14, 2019 (30 aircraft) and later in December 2023 (42 aircraft). Deliveries from the first batch, designated F4.1, began on March 2, 2023.
Rafale F4
According to 2019 reports, the Rafale F4 has received upgraded engines, a modified cockpit, updated software, and an improved airframe. Pilots now benefit from a modified targeting system and the Scorpion helmet-mounted display, similar to those used in previous export variants for India and Qatar (F3-R version). The modernization also includes enhancements to communications, the radar system, and the Thales FSO (Front-Sector Optronics) system. Additionally, pilots have access to the Thales TALIOS targeting pod (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System), previously known as PDL-NG (Pod de Désignation Laser de Nouvelle Génération).
The modernized Rafale F4 aircraft are equipped with new engine control systems and an advanced diagnostic system (Système de Pronostic et d’Aide au Diagnostic), which utilizes machine learning (artificial intelligence) and Big Data analysis. The Rafale F4 will be integrated with: MICA NG air-to-air missiles, Storm Shadow/SCALP air-to-ground cruise missiles with a conventional warhead, ASMP-A/ASN4G missiles with a nuclear warhead, SBU-64 AASM laser-guided bombs in the 1,000 kg class.
The Rafale F4 represents the next stage in the aircraft’s modernization: F1 was the Rafale N variant designed for the navy, F2 had enhanced capabilities for carrying and launching air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, F3 and F3-R focused on expanding multi-role mission capabilities.
The F5 standard, currently in development, will introduce new capabilities for network-centric warfare and will be supported by a Loyal Wingman unmanned combat drone, a program officially announced on October 8, 2024.
In recent years, Dassault Aviation has secured or is about to finalize orders for Rafale aircraft (including units from French military reserves) for eight countries, including the UAE, as well as: Croatia (12 aircraft), Greece (24), Egypt (an additional 30 aircraft, adding to the 24 already in service), India (36 for the air force + 26 Rafale M ordered for the navy), Indonesia (42), Qatar (36), and Serbia (12).
Previously, Colombia had expressed interest in acquiring 16 Rafale jets, but negotiations were halted, and the only remaining bidder is Lockheed Martin with the F-16C/D Block 70/72. On October 23, 2023, Arab media reported on French-Saudi negotiations regarding these aircraft. Additionally, Iraq, Uzbekistan (24 aircraft), Kazakhstan, and Oman (12-18 aircraft) have also shown interest.
This first F4-standard Rafale for the United Arab Emirates is the result of the strong determination and efficiency of Emirati and French engineers. It testifies to the high level of cooperation between the two nations. pic.twitter.com/FdnClkiMSx
— Dassault Aviation (@Dassault_OnAir) January 29, 2025
With the support of the French authorities, Dassault Aviation is committed to providing the United Arab Emirates, now and in the future, with cutting-edge capabilities that will help safeguard its sovereignty and enhance its influence as a major international power. pic.twitter.com/rD8pEfAoky
— Dassault Aviation (@Dassault_OnAir) January 29, 2025