Aircraft
UAE Fighter Deal Leads Rafale’s Global Resurgence
Landmark 80-aircraft order leads wave of international interest for the French fighter
UAE’s first Rafale
The United Arab Emirates accepted delivery of the first of 80 Rafale combat aircraft during a ceremony on Jan. 29, 2025. © Dassault Aviation

Dassault Aviation has enjoyed a resurgence in sales for the Rafale multirole fighter in recent years, with the UAE’s record-breaking deal for 80 upgraded combat aircraft leading a wave of international orders for the French manufacturer.

The UAE accepted delivery of its first Rafale in January during a ceremony attended by Emirati defense minister Mohammed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei and his French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu. That ceremony took place in Istres, France, where the two-seater remains for testing—a step that indicates the UAE’s aircraft may differ in equipment from the Standard F4 version of the Rafale that Dassault is building for other customers.

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