Amid Egypt’s ongoing and sustained fighter aviation modernization program, Dassault Aviation has completed the delivery of a new batch of Rafale F3R fighters for the Air Force. The recent additions correspond to three single-seat units identified with serial numbers EM12, EM13, and EM14, which are part of the second contract signed between France and Egypt in 2021 for a total of 30 aircraft, valued at approximately €3.75 billion.
With this new delivery, Egypt’s Rafale fleet now stands at 29 operational aircraft, consolidating its position as one of the most modern in the region. The second batch of fighters, whose production began in 2022, continues to progress at a steady pace, with staggered deliveries scheduled through 2026 — the year in which Egypt will reach a total inventory of 54 units. This number will make the country the largest foreign operator of the Rafale, surpassing Greece, Qatar, and India in the number of aircraft in service.
The new batch complements the first order of 24 Rafales acquired in 2015, which were delivered in a period of just three years. Since entering service, the French multirole fighter has enabled the Egyptian Air Force to integrate state-of-the-art air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capabilities, including MBDA MICA and SCALP-EG missiles, along with SPECTRA electronic warfare systems and the RBE2 AESA radar, providing the aircraft with remarkable operational versatility.
The latest deliveries from Dassault are part of an ongoing process of technological transfer and military cooperation between France and Egypt. Images circulated on social media and specialised forums had already shown, in previous months, the arrival of aircraft bearing registrations EM09, EM10, and EM11, confirming the progress of the production and delivery schedule.
As projected, deliveries will continue over the coming years, with the Egyptian Air Force to be fully equipped with 54 Rafale F3R fighters. This milestone will consolidate the strategic alliance between both countries and reaffirm the Rafale’s role as one of the foremost examples of contemporary combat aviation, combining technology, interoperability, and a proven track record in real-world missions.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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