Dassault Commences Qatar Rafale Contract

Qatar’s contract for the purchase of 24 Rafale aircraft signed in May this year came into force today.

What this could mean is that Qatar may have paid up the advance required for Dassault to start work on the Rafale fighters meant for the Gulf state. Qatar had ordered 24 aircraft for $ 7 billion along with MBDA missiles on May 4 this year. The agreement includes an order for 24 Rafale fighter jets, with an option on a further 12 and training of 36 Qatari pilots and technicians by the French military.

"In a demanding geopolitical context, Qatar wants to benefit from the Rafale's qualities in the same way as it was able to do previously with those of the Mirage F1, Alpha Jet and Mirage 2000. Dassault Aviation and the 500 French companies associated with the Rafale program are honored by this demonstration of trust", said Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation.

The Rafale is a twin-jet fighter aircraft able to operate from both an aircraft carrier and a shore base. The fully versatile Rafale is able to carry out all combat aviation missions: air defense, interception, ground support, in-depth strikes, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence.