Paris – Dassault Aviation is gearing up to accelerate production of its Rafale fighter jets as France looks to strengthen its defence capabilities in response to growing security concerns in Europe.
CEO Eric Trappier confirmed the company’s plans on Sunday, following President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France would increase and expedite orders for the combat aircraft.
Speaking to Le Journal du Dimanche, Trappier detailed Dassault’s progress in ramping up production. The company has already increased its output from one Rafale per month in 2020 to over two per month in 2024.
Plans are now underway to expand production further, with a target of delivering three jets per month in 2025 and reaching four per month between 2028 and 2029.
“We have heard the president’s call and are studying the possibility of ramping up to five Rafale per month,” Trappier stated. “There are no concrete orders yet, but we want to be ready.” However, he did not specify when this level of production might be achievable.
European Defence Expansion
The move comes amid heightened defence spending across Europe, driven by concerns over potential U.S. security disengagement and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
European nations, including France, have been reassessing their military capabilities to reduce reliance on external allies and reinforce domestic production of critical defence assets.
Macron’s statement on Tuesday that France would “increase and accelerate Rafale orders” underscores the urgency of the situation. The French air force currently operates 108 Rafale jets, while the navy has 41.
Before Macron’s announcement, France was scheduled to receive an additional 56 aircraft. However, Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu recently indicated that the air force may require 20 to 30 more Rafales to meet potential crisis scenarios.
F-35 Competition and Global Interest
In addition to bolstering domestic production, Dassault Aviation is positioning itself as a viable alternative for countries reconsidering purchases of U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets.
Trappier expressed readiness to offer the Rafale to nations reviewing their F-35 commitments.
“If the French government approves, we are prepared to provide our services to any country reassessing its F-35 orders,” he said.
This development follows reports that Canada is re-evaluating its F-35 acquisition amid growing tensions with the U.S. over tariffs and diplomatic strains.
Portugal, too, recently announced it was reconsidering a potential F-35 purchase, though Trappier noted that his company had not yet been approached by Portuguese officials.
Despite these shifts, Germany reaffirmed its commitment to buying the U.S.-manufactured F-35 on Friday, dispelling speculation about a potential reassessment.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Dassault’s ambitious production plans hinge on securing new contracts and ensuring a steady supply chain. The company is actively working with suppliers to maintain and enhance manufacturing capacity to meet rising demand.
While no formal orders have been placed for the increased Rafale production, France’s strategic defence outlook and the evolving global military landscape suggest that further commitments may soon follow.
As European nations seek greater autonomy in defence procurement, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale is emerging as a key contender in shaping the continent’s military future.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
