Could the French Rafale fighter jet finally enter service in the Iraqi Air Force?
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According to HALIM | حـليـم on April 23, 2025, Iraq’s discussions with France regarding the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets are reportedly progressing, but the information must be handled with care as no official confirmation has been issued to date. Recent reports suggest that Iraq could be finalizing a plan to purchase twelve Rafale aircraft in the latest F4 standard, with a full weapons package, maintenance, training, and support. Iraq had also explored acquiring JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan. However, at the recent Iraq Defense Exhibition, Pakistani representatives apparently confirmed unofficially to Aliarmy2024 that the deal for the JF-17 had been canceled, seemingly clearing the way for a focus on the Rafale purchase.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Throughout 2021 and 2022, Iraq’s stated objective remained the acquisition of up to fourteen Rafales to restore operational capacity to its air force, which was experiencing severe limitations in its F-16 fleet. (Picture source: French Air Force)
Iraq initially expressed interest in acquiring the Pakistani JF-17 fighter aircraft to support the modernization of its air force. Following the earlier acquisition of a batch of twelve PAC MFI-17 Mushshak trainer aircraft in 2023, Baghdad reportedly proceeded to sign a contract with Pakistan covering the purchase of an additional twelve Mushshak trainers and twelve JF-17 Block III fighter jets. According to inside sources, the value of the overall agreement was approximately US$1.8 billion. The contract was signed during a meeting in Baghdad between Pakistan’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, and Iraqi representatives, including Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawood and Lieutenant General Shahab Jahid Ali, acting on behalf of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. Nevertheless, it would appear that, for some unknown reason, Iraq has now finally decided to abandon the JF-17.
Iraq’s interest in the Rafale dates back to late 2020, when a high-level delegation visited the Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base in France, followed by meetings with the French Minister of the Armed Forces. The deterioration of Iraq’s F-16IQ fleet, resulting from strained relations with the United States and the withdrawal of American maintenance contractors, led Baghdad to explore alternative suppliers. In early 2021, Iraq’s Defense Minister publicly confirmed negotiations for Rafale fighter jets, mentioning that payments could be arranged through oil-for-equipment transactions. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Iraq’s stated objective remained the acquisition of up to fourteen Rafales to restore operational capacity to its air force, which was experiencing severe limitations in its F-16 fleet.
According to various reports, Iraq is now seeking to purchase twelve Rafales for approximately $3 billion, including a complete support package of ammunition, spare parts, maintenance, and pilot training. A down payment of $240 million has reportedly already been made, with the remainder of the payment structured through oil deliveries to France. Baghdad’s insistence on receiving the full F4-standard configuration includes obtaining Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles produced by MBDA, known for their range exceeding 150 kilometers. However, Israeli diplomatic efforts have reportedly sought to prevent the full delivery of advanced munitions, particularly the Meteor. Despite these reported pressures, Iraqi sources indicate that Baghdad remains committed to acquiring the Rafale package with all originally intended systems.
Simultaneously, Iraq recently finalized the acquisition of 12 French H225M Caracal helicopters as part of its broader defense modernization efforts. The H225M is a twin-engine tactical transport helicopter designed for long-range missions, including special operations, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. It is capable of carrying up to 28 troops or 5.5 tons of cargo internally or on an external sling. Equipped with modern avionics, including a four-axis autopilot and advanced self-protection systems, the H225M can be configured for armed escort missions and can operate in a wide range of environmental conditions.
The Rafale, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, is a multirole combat aircraft designed to conduct a wide range of operations, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike missions. Its design incorporates a delta wing and canard configuration, providing maneuverability. The aircraft is equipped with the RBE2 active electronically scanned array radar, the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and digital flight control systems. Powered by two Safran M88-2 turbofan engines, the Rafale is capable of sustained supercruise at Mach 1.4 and has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8. Its operational ceiling is 15,240 meters, and it is capable of both land-based and carrier-based operations.
The Rafale’s weapons compatibility includes MICA missiles, AASM precision-guided bombs, Exocet anti-ship missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and the ASMP-A air-launched nuclear missile. The MBDA Meteor missile, sought by Iraq, extends the Rafale’s air-to-air engagement range significantly, with capabilities that exceed those of the AIM-120D and the Russian R-77, according to available technical data. The Meteor’s active radar seeker allows it to maintain target tracking during terminal engagement, offering advantages in high-maneuverability combat scenarios. The Rafale’s loadout capacity enables it to carry up to 9,500 kilograms of munitions and equipment across fourteen hardpoints.
Since its entry into service in the early 2000s, the Rafale has participated in operational deployments over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria. Export sales have increased steadily since 2015, with deliveries to Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. As of the end of 2024, Dassault Aviation reported production of 299 new-build Rafales, with further deliveries scheduled. Iraq’s potential inclusion among Rafale operators would align with Baghdad’s broader objectives to modernize its air, land, and surveillance capabilities. However, until an official contract announcement is made, all indications regarding the deal remain subject to confirmation, even if some past information seems to confirm Iraqi interest in the French aircraft.
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{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to HALIM | حـليـم on April 23, 2025, Iraq’s discussions with France regarding the acquisition of Rafale fighter jets are reportedly progressing, but the information must be handled with care as no official confirmation has been issued to date. Recent reports suggest that Iraq could be finalizing a plan to purchase twelve Rafale aircraft in the latest F4 standard, with a full weapons package, maintenance, training, and support. Iraq had also explored acquiring JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan. However, at the recent Iraq Defense Exhibition, Pakistani representatives apparently confirmed unofficially to Aliarmy2024 that the deal for the JF-17 had been canceled, seemingly clearing the way for a focus on the Rafale purchase.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Throughout 2021 and 2022, Iraq’s stated objective remained the acquisition of up to fourteen Rafales to restore operational capacity to its air force, which was experiencing severe limitations in its F-16 fleet. (Picture source: French Air Force)
Iraq initially expressed interest in acquiring the Pakistani JF-17 fighter aircraft to support the modernization of its air force. Following the earlier acquisition of a batch of twelve PAC MFI-17 Mushshak trainer aircraft in 2023, Baghdad reportedly proceeded to sign a contract with Pakistan covering the purchase of an additional twelve Mushshak trainers and twelve JF-17 Block III fighter jets. According to inside sources, the value of the overall agreement was approximately US$1.8 billion. The contract was signed during a meeting in Baghdad between Pakistan’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, and Iraqi representatives, including Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawood and Lieutenant General Shahab Jahid Ali, acting on behalf of the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. Nevertheless, it would appear that, for some unknown reason, Iraq has now finally decided to abandon the JF-17.
Iraq’s interest in the Rafale dates back to late 2020, when a high-level delegation visited the Saint-Dizier-Robinson Air Base in France, followed by meetings with the French Minister of the Armed Forces. The deterioration of Iraq’s F-16IQ fleet, resulting from strained relations with the United States and the withdrawal of American maintenance contractors, led Baghdad to explore alternative suppliers. In early 2021, Iraq’s Defense Minister publicly confirmed negotiations for Rafale fighter jets, mentioning that payments could be arranged through oil-for-equipment transactions. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Iraq’s stated objective remained the acquisition of up to fourteen Rafales to restore operational capacity to its air force, which was experiencing severe limitations in its F-16 fleet.
According to various reports, Iraq is now seeking to purchase twelve Rafales for approximately $3 billion, including a complete support package of ammunition, spare parts, maintenance, and pilot training. A down payment of $240 million has reportedly already been made, with the remainder of the payment structured through oil deliveries to France. Baghdad’s insistence on receiving the full F4-standard configuration includes obtaining Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles produced by MBDA, known for their range exceeding 150 kilometers. However, Israeli diplomatic efforts have reportedly sought to prevent the full delivery of advanced munitions, particularly the Meteor. Despite these reported pressures, Iraqi sources indicate that Baghdad remains committed to acquiring the Rafale package with all originally intended systems.
Simultaneously, Iraq recently finalized the acquisition of 12 French H225M Caracal helicopters as part of its broader defense modernization efforts. The H225M is a twin-engine tactical transport helicopter designed for long-range missions, including special operations, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. It is capable of carrying up to 28 troops or 5.5 tons of cargo internally or on an external sling. Equipped with modern avionics, including a four-axis autopilot and advanced self-protection systems, the H225M can be configured for armed escort missions and can operate in a wide range of environmental conditions.
The Rafale, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, is a multirole combat aircraft designed to conduct a wide range of operations, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike missions. Its design incorporates a delta wing and canard configuration, providing maneuverability. The aircraft is equipped with the RBE2 active electronically scanned array radar, the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and digital flight control systems. Powered by two Safran M88-2 turbofan engines, the Rafale is capable of sustained supercruise at Mach 1.4 and has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8. Its operational ceiling is 15,240 meters, and it is capable of both land-based and carrier-based operations.
The Rafale’s weapons compatibility includes MICA missiles, AASM precision-guided bombs, Exocet anti-ship missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and the ASMP-A air-launched nuclear missile. The MBDA Meteor missile, sought by Iraq, extends the Rafale’s air-to-air engagement range significantly, with capabilities that exceed those of the AIM-120D and the Russian R-77, according to available technical data. The Meteor’s active radar seeker allows it to maintain target tracking during terminal engagement, offering advantages in high-maneuverability combat scenarios. The Rafale’s loadout capacity enables it to carry up to 9,500 kilograms of munitions and equipment across fourteen hardpoints.
Since its entry into service in the early 2000s, the Rafale has participated in operational deployments over Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria. Export sales have increased steadily since 2015, with deliveries to Egypt, Qatar, India, Greece, Croatia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. As of the end of 2024, Dassault Aviation reported production of 299 new-build Rafales, with further deliveries scheduled. Iraq’s potential inclusion among Rafale operators would align with Baghdad’s broader objectives to modernize its air, land, and surveillance capabilities. However, until an official contract announcement is made, all indications regarding the deal remain subject to confirmation, even if some past information seems to confirm Iraqi interest in the French aircraft.
