Egypt’s Rafale Fighters Deliveries Advance with Two-Seater Spotted at Dassault Facility in France
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A Rafale two-seater destined for Egypt was spotted without its paintwork at Dassault Aviation’s Mérignac site on January 22, 2025. This sighting occurred during the routine testing and acceptance procedures that precede official deliveries. The photo, taken by Christophe Ornecq, highlights progress in the delivery of Egypt’s new order of 30 Rafale F3-R jets, a contract signed in 2021 worth €3.75 billion. This agreement includes 18 single-seaters and 12 two-seaters, strengthening the strategic partnership between France and Egypt while confirming the Rafale’s role as a cornerstone of French military exports.
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The Rafale F3-R represents an advanced version of the multirole fighter jet, first introduced in 2018 (Picture source: Facebook Page @Christophe Ornecq)
Egypt was the first foreign country to order the Rafale in 2015, with an initial purchase of 24 aircraft, comprising 18 two-seaters (Rafale DM) and 6 single-seaters (Rafale EM). These jets have bolstered the Egyptian Air Force’s capabilities, enhancing its strategic position in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
The second contract, signed in February 2021, envisions deliveries extending until 2026. The first batch of six Rafale F3-R jets was expected by the end of 2024. The aircraft recently spotted at Mérignac is likely part of this initial lot, marking a key milestone in Egypt’s efforts to modernize and enhance its air force.
The Rafale F3-R represents an advanced version of the multirole fighter jet, first introduced in 2018. This standard features enhanced integration of weaponry and onboard systems, including the Meteor air-to-air missile, capable of engaging long-range targets to secure air superiority. It is also equipped with the RBE2 AESA radar, which offers long-range detection, high precision, and multitasking capabilities, as well as the SPECTRA system for exceptional protection against radar and missile threats, combining detection, jamming, and decoy functionalities. Furthermore, it supports advanced armaments such as AASM Hammer guided bombs and the Scalp cruise missile.
While Egypt’s Rafale jets are acquired at the F3-R standard, plans exist to upgrade them to the even more advanced F4.2 standard. This upgrade would include enhanced connectivity, radar updates, and software improvements to align with modern operational demands.
The Egyptian Air Force operates a diverse fleet reflecting its strategy of equipment diversification. It currently fields 24 Rafales from the 2015 order, 19 Mirage 2000s, 43 MiG-29s, and approximately 80 Mirage 5s. Its backbone, however, consists of 218 F-16s, which form the core of its combat aviation capabilities. This diversity enables the Egyptian Air Force to utilize a mix of Western and Russian technologies, suited for a broad range of operational missions. Nonetheless, the Rafale has emerged as a central element in the modernization of Egypt’s air force.
In March 2023, Egypt’s Rafale squadron, known as the Wild Wolves, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first export operator to log 10,000 flight hours with the Rafale, demonstrating the aircraft’s operational value and the expertise of Egyptian crews trained in France.
The decision to procure the Rafale underscores the strong ties between Paris and Cairo, built on shared strategic interests. This military partnership is part of Egypt’s broader effort to diversify its arms suppliers after canceling a 2021 contract for Russian Sukhoi Su-35 jets. The decision has shifted Egypt further towards Western, particularly French, military equipment.
The modernization of the Egyptian Air Force addresses regional security needs, including tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, counterterrorism in the Sinai Peninsula, and stability in North Africa. The Rafale deliveries also enable Egypt to play an active role in the region while asserting its military sovereignty.
The Rafale continues to be a key symbol of French defense exports, with major contracts secured with nations such as India, Greece, Croatia, the UAE, and Egypt. Its demonstrated operational performance and ability to evolve with new standards make it a valuable asset for Dassault Aviation.
The Rafale observed in Mérignac highlights the ongoing progress of Egypt’s deliveries and France’s pivotal role in international defense. Once delivered, these jets will strengthen Egypt’s fleet and enhance France’s strategic influence in the region while reaffirming its position as a leader in advanced military technology exports.
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A Rafale two-seater destined for Egypt was spotted without its paintwork at Dassault Aviation’s Mérignac site on January 22, 2025. This sighting occurred during the routine testing and acceptance procedures that precede official deliveries. The photo, taken by Christophe Ornecq, highlights progress in the delivery of Egypt’s new order of 30 Rafale F3-R jets, a contract signed in 2021 worth €3.75 billion. This agreement includes 18 single-seaters and 12 two-seaters, strengthening the strategic partnership between France and Egypt while confirming the Rafale’s role as a cornerstone of French military exports.
The Rafale F3-R represents an advanced version of the multirole fighter jet, first introduced in 2018 (Picture source: Facebook Page @Christophe Ornecq)
Egypt was the first foreign country to order the Rafale in 2015, with an initial purchase of 24 aircraft, comprising 18 two-seaters (Rafale DM) and 6 single-seaters (Rafale EM). These jets have bolstered the Egyptian Air Force’s capabilities, enhancing its strategic position in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
The second contract, signed in February 2021, envisions deliveries extending until 2026. The first batch of six Rafale F3-R jets was expected by the end of 2024. The aircraft recently spotted at Mérignac is likely part of this initial lot, marking a key milestone in Egypt’s efforts to modernize and enhance its air force.
The Rafale F3-R represents an advanced version of the multirole fighter jet, first introduced in 2018. This standard features enhanced integration of weaponry and onboard systems, including the Meteor air-to-air missile, capable of engaging long-range targets to secure air superiority. It is also equipped with the RBE2 AESA radar, which offers long-range detection, high precision, and multitasking capabilities, as well as the SPECTRA system for exceptional protection against radar and missile threats, combining detection, jamming, and decoy functionalities. Furthermore, it supports advanced armaments such as AASM Hammer guided bombs and the Scalp cruise missile.
While Egypt’s Rafale jets are acquired at the F3-R standard, plans exist to upgrade them to the even more advanced F4.2 standard. This upgrade would include enhanced connectivity, radar updates, and software improvements to align with modern operational demands.
The Egyptian Air Force operates a diverse fleet reflecting its strategy of equipment diversification. It currently fields 24 Rafales from the 2015 order, 19 Mirage 2000s, 43 MiG-29s, and approximately 80 Mirage 5s. Its backbone, however, consists of 218 F-16s, which form the core of its combat aviation capabilities. This diversity enables the Egyptian Air Force to utilize a mix of Western and Russian technologies, suited for a broad range of operational missions. Nonetheless, the Rafale has emerged as a central element in the modernization of Egypt’s air force.
In March 2023, Egypt’s Rafale squadron, known as the Wild Wolves, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first export operator to log 10,000 flight hours with the Rafale, demonstrating the aircraft’s operational value and the expertise of Egyptian crews trained in France.
The decision to procure the Rafale underscores the strong ties between Paris and Cairo, built on shared strategic interests. This military partnership is part of Egypt’s broader effort to diversify its arms suppliers after canceling a 2021 contract for Russian Sukhoi Su-35 jets. The decision has shifted Egypt further towards Western, particularly French, military equipment.
The modernization of the Egyptian Air Force addresses regional security needs, including tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, counterterrorism in the Sinai Peninsula, and stability in North Africa. The Rafale deliveries also enable Egypt to play an active role in the region while asserting its military sovereignty.
The Rafale continues to be a key symbol of French defense exports, with major contracts secured with nations such as India, Greece, Croatia, the UAE, and Egypt. Its demonstrated operational performance and ability to evolve with new standards make it a valuable asset for Dassault Aviation.
The Rafale observed in Mérignac highlights the ongoing progress of Egypt’s deliveries and France’s pivotal role in international defense. Once delivered, these jets will strengthen Egypt’s fleet and enhance France’s strategic influence in the region while reaffirming its position as a leader in advanced military technology exports.
