(VIDEO) Dassault Aviation Unveils First Rafale F4 Fighter Jet for United Arab Emirates
(VIDEO) This is the first Rafale F4 fighter jet out of 80 units purchased by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from France in 2021, under a US$19 billion (RM83 billion) contract.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – After four years, French aerospace company Dassault Aviation has officially unveiled the Rafale F-4 Standard fighter jet for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time.
This aircraft is the first of 80 Rafale F4 Standard jets ordered by the UAE from France in 2021.
The official unveiling of the UAE Air Force’s first Rafale F4 Standard aircraft was conducted by Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier, in the presence of French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs Mohamed bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei.
According to Lecornu, who shared the announcement on his X account, the defence partnership between France and the UAE is built on a high level of interoperability between their armed forces, particularly in the aerospace sector.
“In Istres, alongside my counterpart Mohamed Bin Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, we attended the rollout ceremony of the first Rafale developed for the UAE Armed Forces,” Lecornu stated.
“This aircraft will undergo initial testing before the official deliveries begin in 2027, involving 80 Rafale units ordered by the UAE from @Dassault_OnAir—an affirmation of the excellence of our defence industry,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation also released a statement on its X platform, describing the first Rafale F4 for the UAE as the result of the determination and expertise of both Emirati and French engineers.
According to the French aerospace company, the unveiling of the aircraft underscores the high level of cooperation between the two nations.
The contract for the acquisition of 80 Rafale jets, signed in December 2021, is the largest deal ever concluded by the French military aviation industry.
It marks 50 years of successful cooperation between the UAE Armed Forces and Dassault Aviation.
“With the support of the French authorities, Dassault Aviation is committed to providing the United Arab Emirates with cutting-edge capabilities, now and in the future, to help safeguard its sovereignty and enhance its influence as a major global power,” the company stated.
The UAE’s acquisition of 80 Dassault Rafale fighter jets represents the largest defence contract ever signed in the history of the French military aerospace industry.

The agreement, finalized in December 2021 between the UAE and Dassault Aviation, is estimated to be worth over US$19 billion (RM83.4 billion).
The UAE has ordered 80 Rafale F4 units, the most advanced variant of the jet, featuring state-of-the-art avionics, weapon systems, and combat capabilities.
The first deliveries are expected to begin in 2027, following extensive testing and operational qualification phases.
For the UAE, this acquisition significantly enhances the combat capabilities of its air force and solidifies its position as a key military power in the Middle East.
For France, the RM83 billion contract strengthens defence ties with the UAE, secures Dassault Aviation’s standing in the global fighter jet export market, and represents a landmark achievement for the French defence industry.
This deal is the largest in Dassault Aviation’s history, surpassing previous Rafale orders from Egypt, India, and Greece.

The UAE’s transition from the Mirage 2000 to the Rafale F4 Standard marks a significant shift to a more advanced generation of fighter aircraft.
This collaboration underscores the deep-rooted 50-year defence and security partnership between France and the UAE.
Beyond enhancing UAE’s air power, the purchase of 80 Rafale F4 Standard jets represents a strategic milestone in France-UAE defence relations, involving technology transfers and long-term military cooperation.
Technical Specifications of the Rafale F4 Standard for the UAE
The Rafale F4 Standard is the latest variant of Dassault’s multirole fighter, featuring substantial enhancements in combat performance, avionics, and weapons systems.
It has been specifically tailored to meet the operational needs of the UAE Armed Forces, incorporating cutting-edge technology to strengthen combat effectiveness and interoperability.
1. Performance & Design
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Engines: 2 × Safran M88-4E turbofan engines, providing higher thrust and improved fuel efficiency.
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Maximum Speed: Up to Mach 1.8 (~2,222 km/h).
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Operational Range: Up to 3,700 km without aerial refueling.
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Weapons Capacity: 14 hardpoints for a variety of weapon configurations.
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Radar System: Thales RBE2-AA AESA, an advanced radar system that enhances target detection and tracking.
2. Electronic Warfare & Communication Capabilities
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SPECTRA (Self-Protection Equipment to Counter Threats for Rafale): Advanced electronic warfare suite with radar jamming, electronic decoys, and threat detection capabilities.
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Digital Network Communications: Link 16 and SATCOM for enhanced battlefield connectivity and integration with allied forces.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-enhanced data processing for faster decision-making in combat scenarios.
3. Weapons Systems
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Air-to-Air Missiles:
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MBDA Meteor – Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile with a range exceeding 100 km.
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MICA NG (New Generation) – Effective for short- and medium-range air combat.
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Air-to-Ground Missiles:
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SCALP-EG – Cruise missile for high-value target strikes.
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AASM Hammer – Precision-guided bombs with GPS/laser guidance.
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Additional Armaments:
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30mm GIAT 30 autocannon for air-to-air and ground attack missions.
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Tactical nuclear weapon capability (exclusive to the French Air Force).
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4. Operational & Survivability Features
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Helmet Mounted Display (HMD): Enables pilots to lock onto targets quickly.
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Aerial Refueling Capability: Extends operational range.
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Stealth Mode (Low Observability): Reduced radar signature through aerodynamic design and radar-absorbing materials.
