Rafale Jets Backlog Increased by 9 Aircraft in 2024 Vs 2023

French aerospace company Dassault Aviation has announced that the order backlog for Rafale fighter jets increased to 220 aircraft by December 31, 2024, compared to 211 jets at the end of 2023.

In 2024, Dassault delivered 21 Rafale jets (14 to France and 7 for export), exceeding the 20 units it had forecast and significantly outpacing the 13 delivered in 2023 (11 to France and 2 for export). The surge reflects an effort to address growing orders, including a €5 billion deal signed by France in January 2024 for 42 jets and export contracts with Indonesia and Serbia ($3 billion).

Dassault recorded 30 new Rafale export orders in 2024, including 18 for Indonesia and 12 for Serbia. 60 orders for these jets were placed in 2023. By the close of 2024, the backlog included 164 export aircraft and 56 for France, compared to 141 export and 70 domestic units at the end of 2023.

Dassault has ramped up production to meet growing demand, supported by upgrades to existing Rafale fleets, including the F4.1 standard with Scorpion helmet displays and improved missile integration. Future developments include Thales' AI-enabled Talios targeting pods in 2026 and potential contracts from Oman and India (Marine variant).

The French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) is testing the F4.2 standard, focusing on enhanced connectivity and target identification. France's aerial combat upgrades also include AI advancements, stealth technology, and integrated systems. Thales integrated AI into its Talios targeting pod in December 2024, automating imagery analysis 100 times faster than current methods, reducing pilot workload, and speeding tactical decisions.

In October 2024, France announced a stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) to complement Rafale F5 jets post-2030, leveraging technology from the nEUROn program. In May 2024, the French Air Force demonstrated nuclear deterrence capabilities by test-firing the ASMPA-R missile from a Rafale B during the DURANDAL operation.

March 2024 saw Thales testing improved Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) systems for Rafale F4.2 jets, enhancing detection and situational awareness. The F4.1 standard also introduced cyber threat protection, sensors, and upgraded fire control systems, modernizing France’s fleet for future combat scenarios.