Since its introduction into service in the mid-2000s, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale has managed to secure a place in the highly competitive segment of export-oriented combat aviation. After a slow start, the French delta-wing fighter has established itself as a solid option for a growing number of air forces. Among these, and one of the first to select it for the renewal of its fighter fleet, is the Egyptian Air Force, which, according to images circulated on social media, has begun receiving its second batch of 30 new Rafale F3R aircraft.
In late 2021, during the month of November, Dassault Aviation and the Egyptian government finalized the contract for the supply of a second batch of new Rafale F3R fighters, thus complementing the fleet already in service—24 aircraft delivered under the 2015 agreements.
However, since then, there had been few official updates while the French company continued production under this contract. By the end of 2024, one of the first aircraft was spotted leaving the assembly line, a single-seat model bearing the registration “EM09.”
Based on recently shared images, it is now evident that Dassault is in the midst of delivering the first aircraft from this new batch of 30 Rafales, which are arriving in Egypt in several flight groups.
The most recent delivery, as shown on social media, reportedly included two single-seat aircraft with registrations “EM10” and “EM11,” while the remaining aircraft, a twin-seater, carries the registration “DM21,” all corresponding to the second batch ordered under the 30 Rafale F3R contract.
Although no official announcement has been made, the deliveries—believed to have started in late 2024—are expected to conclude by 2026, at which point the Egyptian Air Force will field a total fleet of 54 Rafale aircraft. Meanwhile, flight and acceptance tests continue to be carried out at Dassault’s production facilities.
Cover photo used for illustrative purposes only.
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