Rafale fighter manufacturer Dassault Aviation expects a decision from the French government regarding plans to purchase new aircraft for French Air Force needs. As company CEO Eric Trappier noted, production rates specifically for French military needs are quite low due to budget problems.
Dassault Aviation reported that in 2025 they delivered only 11 Rafale fighters to the French Air Force. According to Trappier, such rates will most likely continue for the next two to three years, as he states, quoted by Flightglobal, that they are talking about small volumes.
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For understanding, Dassault previously revealed how many Rafales total were manufactured in 2025, involving 26 aircraft overall, of which less than half, approximately 42%, went to the French Air Force.
This is not about Dassault not wanting to increase production, but about availability of financing through new Rafale fighter contracts from the domestic customer.
At the same time, on questions about possible new agreement timelines, Trappier notes this question should be asked of defense procurement agency DGA.
Dassault Aviation is now awaiting a decision on the sixth batch (Tranche 6) of Rafale fighters, while the fifth was ordered in early 2024, involving 42 fighters overall, of which 12 were ordered to replace those ordered by Croatia. Aircraft deliveries within the fifth tranche should continue approximately until 2030.
Last year, France's defense department emphasized the need for a new order for 30 fighters total. Recall that the first four Rafale batches for French air forces were ordered in 1997, 1999, 2004 and 2009 respectively.
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