Latest news with #RafaleF4
Libyan Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Libyan Express
Morocco eyes Rafale F4 jets in fresh move to modernize air force
BY Libyan Express Aug 15, 2025 - 12:24 France and US vie for Morocco's next fighter jet contract Morocco is weighing the acquisition of French Rafale fighter jets in the advanced F4 configuration, as part of a program to modernise its air force and bolster defense capabilities amid shifting regional dynamics. According to the specialist outlet Avions Legendaires and corroborated by local media, the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces are currently considering the purchase of six Rafale F4 aircraft, along with associated weapons and support systems. The move comes in the context of competition between France and the United States, with Washington promoting its F-16V Viper as an alternative. The growing defense cooperation between Morocco and France was showcased during the 'Marathon 25' joint military exercises held between June 23 and July 5, 2025. During the drills, Moroccan pilots flew Rafale aircraft and assessed their capabilities firsthand, in the presence of senior Moroccan air force officers. The exercises also featured Airbus A330 MRTT tankers from the French Air and Space Force, though no official link has been made between the refuelling aircraft and Morocco's current procurement plans. If the Rafale acquisition proceeds, an official order could be placed in 2026, with delivery timelines yet to be confirmed. A previous attempt to finalise a Rafale deal reportedly collapsed over pricing disagreements. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's Royal Armed Forces consider Rafale F4 purchase
After an unsuccessful bid in the fall of 2007, the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) are once again considering the acquisition of Rafale jets from France. «In Morocco, Dassault Aviation's Rafale is making a strong comeback!» reported the French outlet Avions Légendaires. A source in Morocco told Yabiladi that FAR is eyeing a purchase of six Rafale F4 aircraft, along with missiles and other equipment. This renewed interest comes amid strengthened ties between Rabat and Paris, particularly following President Emmanuel Macron's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara on July 30, 2024. During Macron's visit to Morocco in October 2024, Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi met with his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu. That meeting paved the way for a bilateral agreement in July 2025, following a visit to Rabat by Emmanuel Chiva, France's Director General of Armament, to establish a joint armament committee. Marathon 2025 » military exercise held in June.
India.com
13-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
BIG shock for France as India may reduce number of Rafale fighter jets due to..., IAF likely to opt for THESE warplanes from...
(File) In a major blow to French aerospace manufacture Dassault Aviation, India is reportedly mulling to reduce the number of Rafale fighter jets in the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, and instead opt for a 5th-generation fighter jet– either the Sukhoi Su-57, or the F-35A– from Russia or the United States, respectively. Why India doesn't want Rafales anymore? According to reports, after the recent India-Pakistan conflict during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Defense Ministry has reconsidered its position on acquiring more Rafale fighter jets from France, and is likely to make sweeping changes in the tender process for the 114 Rafale fighter planes, and instead of issuing tenders, may opt to sign government to government level agreements for the purchase. Reports suggest that the Indian government may halve the number of Rafale F4 fighter jets in the original tender from 114 to about 60, and purchase an equal number of 5th-generation stealth fighter jets from either Russia or the United States. The move is aimed to strengthen the combat capability of the Indian Air Force, and fill the need for a next-gen fighter fleet till India's homegrown AMCA becomes ready for operational use. How India's decisions impacts Dassault Aviation? The decision to cut the Rafale purchase in half is a major blow to Dassault Aviation as the French defence and aerospace manufacturer had demanded an order of at least 100 units to set up a full-scale production line in India. However, now the tables have turned as the Defense Ministry has asked the French aerospace giant that the partial assembly of Rafale F4 jets must be done in India to boost the 'Make in India' initiative. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has been tasked with manufacturing the fuselage (airframe body) of Rafale, which confirms that the aircraft will be partially assembled in India. Additionally, India could also ask Dassault to reduce the per unit cost as a mandatory condition for the purchase. Which 5th-gen stealth fighter will India buy? Its no secret that India is rapidly seeking to acquire a 5th-generation stealth fighter jet, especially since Pakistan has already announced that it's air force will receive a fleet of 5th-gen J-35 fighters from China. While Pakistan is restricted to most of its arms imports from China, India has two options with regards the purchase of a next-gen fighter aircraft– the Sukhoi Su-57E from Russia, and the F-35A or F-35 Lightning II from the United States. However, both options carry their own unique political and technical baggage. While the F-35 comes with several crippling conditions and end-usage restrictions, serious questions have been raised on the actual efficacy and technology used in the Russian Su-57 and the manufacturing capacity of Russia, especially amid the war with Ukraine.
Dubai Eye
30-01-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE receives first batch of Rafale fighter jets
The UAE has received the first batch of 80 French Rafale F4 fighter jets, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday, as the Gulf country moves to boost its defence capabilities. 'We will continue to search for new technologies that double the strength of our forces to serve our interests,' the Minister of State for Defence Affairs, His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel al-Mazrouei, said. Worth 16.6 billion euro, the deal is 'one of the most prominent defence deals in the history of UAE-French relations,' the Ministry said. The Dassault-built Rafale is a French twin-engine fighter jet that has also recently been supplied to Qatar, Egypt, India, and Greece. The deal with the UAE was signed in December 2021, marking the largest defence contract for France in terms of quantity and value. Under the agreement, Dassault will provide comprehensive support packages, including logistical support, training for pilots, and weapons systems integration. 'With the support of the French authorities, Dassault Aviation is committed to providing the United Arab Emirates, today and tomorrow, with cutting-edge capabilities that contribute to safeguarding its sovereignty and its influence as a major international power,' Dassault aviation said. Ce premier Rafale au standard F4 pour les Émirats Arabes Unis est le résultat de la forte détermination et de la grande efficacité des ingénieurs émiriens et français. Il témoigne du haut niveau de coopération entre les deux Nations. — Dassault Aviation (@Dassault_OnAir) January 29, 2025 This acquisition was part of a broader strategy by the UAE to modernise its military capabilities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of regional air power. The Rafale F4 is expected to complement the country's existing F-16 and Mirage 2000 fleet, as the country seeks to acquire F-35 aircraft from the United States.
TAG 91.1
30-01-2025
- Business
- TAG 91.1
UAE receives first batch of Rafale fighter jets
The UAE has received the first batch of 80 French Rafale F4 fighter jets, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday, as the Gulf country moves to boost its defence capabilities. 'We will continue to search for new technologies that double the strength of our forces to serve our interests,' the Minister of State for Defence Affairs, His Excellency Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel al-Mazrouei, said. Worth 16.6 billion euro, the deal is 'one of the most prominent defence deals in the history of UAE-French relations,' the Ministry said. The Dassault-built Rafale is a French twin-engine fighter jet that has also recently been supplied to Qatar, Egypt, India, and Greece. The deal with the UAE was signed in December 2021, marking the largest defence contract for France in terms of quantity and value. Under the agreement, Dassault will provide comprehensive support packages, including logistical support, training for pilots, and weapons systems integration. 'With the support of the French authorities, Dassault Aviation is committed to providing the United Arab Emirates, today and tomorrow, with cutting-edge capabilities that contribute to safeguarding its sovereignty and its influence as a major international power,' Dassault aviation said. Ce premier Rafale au standard F4 pour les Émirats Arabes Unis est le résultat de la forte détermination et de la grande efficacité des ingénieurs émiriens et français. Il témoigne du haut niveau de coopération entre les deux Nations. — Dassault Aviation (@Dassault_OnAir) January 29, 2025 This acquisition was part of a broader strategy by the UAE to modernise its military capabilities, ensuring they remain at the forefront of regional air power. The Rafale F4 is expected to complement the country's existing F-16 and Mirage 2000 fleet, as the country seeks to acquire F-35 aircraft from the United States.
