Dassault Gains New Rafale Upgrade Contract
French defense minister Jean-Yves le Drian (left) visited the Rafale final assembly line in Bordeaux to seal the latest upgrade contract with Dassault chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. (Photo: Dassault Aviation)
French defense minister Jean-Yves le Drian (left) visited the Rafale final assembly line in Bordeaux to seal the latest upgrade contract with Dassault chairman and CEO Eric Trappier. (Photo: Dassault Aviation)

Dassault Aviation received a development contract from the French Ministry of Defense for a further upgrade of the Rafale combat aircraft. Designated “F3 R,” the upgrade consists mainly of integration of the MBDA Meteor BVRAAM; the laser-homing version of the Sagem AASM air-ground weapon; and the new Thales PDL-NG laser designator pod. There will also be some improvements to the Rafale’s avionics and defensive systems.