Rafale fighter jet sees strong demand amid rising production challenges

On December 31, 2024, Dassault reported zero new orders from the French military but secured 30 new export orders compared to last year’s total of 60 new orders. The backlog grew to include 220 aircraft.

Export markets have been favorable for the Rafale as countries seek alternatives to Russian jets or avoid purchasing U.S.-made aircraft for political reasons. Germany's restrictions on Eurofighter sales have also opened opportunities for Dassault.

Dassault claims that their Rafale is not just a multirole fighter but an "omnirole" aircraft due to its versatility and adaptability in various missions. Despite high costs ranging between $100 million and $120 million per unit, it remains competitive against peers like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 due to its advanced capabilities.

Looking ahead, Dassault faces challenges meeting demand within reasonable timeframes due to current production rates. This could impact future deals if potential buyers opt for jets with shorter lead times.