The Egyptian Air Force receives three Rafale fighters from the second batch

The Egyptian Air Force recently received three advanced French Rafale F3R fighter jets, the two-seat fighters numbered DM23, DM24 and DM26, as part of the second batch of the strategic contract signed with France in May 2021. This ambitious contract includes the purchase of an additional 30 aircraft of the advanced generation Rafale F3R multi-mission, with financing based on a ten-year loan with a French government guarantee covering 85% of the contract value, along with contracts Arming and equipping approximately 200 million euros with MBDA and Safran for electronic defense. The Rafale F3R version represents the latest operational standard for the French fighter, entering full operational service in 2021 with radical technical developments. These improvements include the Thales RBE2 AESA active electronic scanning radar, long-range meteor rockets, the upgraded Spectra electronic warfare system, as well as the TALIOS electro-optical targeting incubator and bombs AASM Hammer laser-guided smart. With the completion of the deliveries scheduled during the current year, Egypt will include a fleet of 54 operational Rafale fighters, in addition to a compensating aircraft, bringing the total Egyptian production to 55 aircraft. This figure will make Egypt the largest operator of Rafale fighters outside France, with the potential for future development to the newer F4 standard. This expansion of the Rafale fleet reflects the Egyptian strategic direction towards enhancing qualitative air capabilities Relying on advanced Western technology, establishing a long-term military partnership with France that includes training, technical support, expertise transfer and defense industrial development.