After a slow start in the export market, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale has established itself internationally as a solid option for many countries looking to modernize their combat aviation. The fighter, currently operated mainly by the French Air and Space Force—along with its carrier-borne version in the French Navy—has been selected by other air forces to renew their aerial capabilities. To cite a few cases: Greece, Croatia, and Serbia in Europe; India, which is expanding its current fleet; Indonesia, which is moving forward with its acquisition; Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East; and Egypt in North Africa. However, according to statements by the CEO of the French aerospace company, another air force has expressed interest in replacing its Mirage 2000 fleet—Taiwan.
As of today, and amid ongoing tensions with the People’s Republic of China, which regularly deploys its military assets around the island and in the strait, Taiwan is pushing forward with an accelerated military modernization process. For example, it has launched programs for the development and construction of new attack submarines, light and heavy frigates, as well as the incorporation of new M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks and air defense systems.
In the aerial domain, the Taiwanese Air Force is modernizing its combat aviation fleet, a process that has seen major progress with the completion of the program to upgrade 139 F-16A/B Block 20 MLU fighters to the Block 70 standard—designated F-16V. In addition, Taiwan confirmed the purchase of 66 new Vipers from the United States, with the first aircraft officially unveiled by Lockheed Martin a few months ago.
This new batch of F-16s was originally intended to replace Taiwan’s current fleet of Mirage 2000-5 multirole fighters, acquired decades ago and now nearing the end of their service life. However, recent statements by Dassault CEO Éric Trappier suggest that Taiwan’s Air Force may be rethinking its plans in favor of replacing one delta-wing fighter with another—specifically, the Rafale.
During a hearing before the Economic Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, Trappier was asked by lawmakers about the challenges the company faces in supplying components and logistical support for Taiwan’s 54 Mirage 2000-5 fighters in service (originally 60, with six lost in past operations).
The French CEO highlighted the difficulties faced not only by Taiwan but also by other Mirage 2000 operators, given that the aircraft is no longer in production and the company’s focus is on the development and production of the Rafale, its natural successor. He suggested that Taiwan has expressed genuine interest in the Rafale, albeit unofficially, to avoid diplomatic conflict with both France and China.
“First of all, the Mirage 2000 is at the end of its service life. It is still flying a little in France, but it is going to be retired. This is also true for all our export customers, who are moving from the Mirage 2000 to the Rafale. So yes, the industrial dynamic of spare parts and repairs is a little […] more difficult than before […] but we are supporting Taiwan perfectly […] very well. And you know very well what the Taiwanese want. They want the Rafale. That does not depend on me. It is not my responsibility. It is up to the government,” explained the Dassault CEO.
Furthermore, during the hearing, Trappier indicated that the company’s position is aligned with French foreign policy, implying that any decision to move forward—or not—with negotiations between France and Taiwan over a possible Rafale sale depends on the government and not on Dassault. This is a highly sensitive matter that could affect relations between Paris and Beijing, which remains closely attentive to any issue involving the sale of military equipment to the island.
*Images used for illustration purposes.
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