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Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet

Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet

Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet Official Image

Brand: Dassault Aviation
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5
Maximum Speed Mach 1.8
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range 200+ km

Full Specifications
Product Overview
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Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Dassault Rafale
Manufacturer	Dassault Aviation
Country of Origin	France
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter
Generation	4.5
Status	In service
First Flight	July 4, 1986
Introduction / In Service Since	2001
Number Built	240+
Operators	France, India, Egypt, Qatar, Greece, Indonesia

Dimensions & Structure

Length	15.27 m
Wingspan	10.9 m
Height	5.3 m
Wing Area	45.7 m²
Empty Weight	10,600 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	24,500 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	14

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.8 (2,223 km/h)
Range	3,700 km
Combat Radius	1,000–1,850 km
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft
Rate of Climb	305 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.13
G Limits	+9 / -3.6

Powerplant

Engine Type	Snecma M88-2 Turbofan
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	16,500 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	4,700 kg (internal)

Armament

Gun	GIAT 30mm cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	MICA, Meteor
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	SCALP-EG, AM39 Exocet
Bombs	Paveway, AASM
Hardpoints	14
Payload Capacity	9,500 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Thales RBE2 AESA
Radar Range	200+ km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	SPECTRA Suite
Targeting System	Thales Damocles / TALIOS Pod
Helmet Display	Integrated HMD
Navigation	GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Semi-Automated
Communication	Secure Datalink, SATCOM

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~1 m²
Stealth Features	Radar-absorbent materials
Infrared Signature Reduction	Yes
Sensor Fusion	Full
Networking Capabilities	NATO-compatible datalink

Variants

Special Export Versions

Rafale EH/IH (India), Rafale EM/QM (Egypt/Qatar)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Libya, Mali, Iraq, Syria
Notable Operators	France, India, Egypt
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, reconnaissance, deterrence

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$85–115 million
Development Cost	~$45 billion
Program Name	Rafale Program
Funding Countries	France

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	F4 & F5 standard upgrades
Future Replacement	Next-Gen Fighter (FCAS)
Export Restrictions	Minimal (case-by-case)
Notable Achievements	Combat-proven multirole success
Competitors	Eurofighter Typhoon, F/A-18E/F, Gripen E

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Multirole capability across mission profiles
Advanced Spectra EW suite and AESA radar
Combat-proven in multiple theaters
High maneuverability and agility
Strong export record and support base

CONS

High acquisition and maintenance cost
Limited stealth compared to 5th-gen fighters
Smaller production base than U.S. counterparts
Reliance on European supply chains
Shorter range than long-endurance jets like F-15EX

Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet: France’s Multirole Fighter Powerhouse

Developed by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale is a twin-engine, canard delta-wing multirole fighter designed to perform air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions. Serving as the backbone of the French Air and Space Force and Navy, it was developed after France’s withdrawal from the Eurofighter Typhoon program to pursue an independent national fighter design.

First flown in 1986 and operational since 2001, the Rafale combines agility, cutting-edge avionics, and combat-proven reliability. Its active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Spectra electronic warfare suite, and sensor fusion capabilities provide a decisive edge in complex battle environments.

Powered by two Snecma M88-2 afterburning turbofan engines, the Rafale achieves speeds up to Mach 1.8 and operates with a combat radius of over 1,000 km. It features 14 hardpoints supporting a versatile weapons load — including MICA, Meteor, and SCALP-EG missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs and the GIAT 30mm internal cannon.

The Rafale’s versatility has made it a preferred export fighter, with operators including Egypt, India, Qatar, Greece, and Indonesia. Its omnirole capability, combining air-to-air and air-to-ground operations in a single mission, underscores its adaptability to modern warfare demands.

Variants

Field	Example
Rafale B	Two-seat trainer/strike version
Rafale C	Single-seat air force version
Rafale M	Carrier-based variant
Special Export Versions	Rafale EH/IH (India), Rafale EM/QM (Egypt/Qatar)

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