French company Dassault Aviation has received over 500 orders for Rafale fighters in France and around the world since the plane went into production, the TV channel BFMTV reported.
According to him, the number of Rafale fighter jets sold has reached 507 after the conclusion of an agreement for the sale of 12 units to Serbia, signed on August 29. 234 fighters were purchased from France and 273 from other countries. In addition, the number of Rafales that are or will be in service with foreign countries is 287, taking into account the “used aircraft” sold by France. Among the buyers, the channel points to the UAE, Egypt, Indonesia, Qatar, India, Greece, Bosnia and Serbia. Peru, Colombia and Saudi Arabia are also interested in fighter jets.
As reported by the TV channel, Dassault Aviation's portfolio of orders will allow it to “load its factories for the next 10 years”. However, the question arises whether the company has enough production capacity to deliver all the fighters on time, as from 2025 Rafale production will be three units per month. In July, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier said the company was still experiencing supply disruptions hampering fighter production.
The Rafale fighter jet made its first flight in 1986 and entered service in 2002.