Dassault Rafale: European fighter jet makes the world pay attention

According to Military Today, the Dassault Rafale fighter is a product developed by the French company Dassault Aviation since the 1980s, with the aim of becoming a comprehensive multi-role fighter. The aircraft is designed to simultaneously undertake air combat missions, attack targets on land and at sea, as well as conduct battlefield reconnaissance.

Rafale is more than 15 meters long, has a wingspan of nearly 11 meters and is more than 5 meters high. Maximum speed reaches more than 2,200 km/h, operating range is about 1,850 km and flight ceiling reaches nearly 16 km. The empty weight of the aircraft is about more than 10 tons and maximum take-off weight is up to 24.5 tons.

*Dassault Rafale stands out with its multi-tasking capabilities, superior speed and strong firepower, becoming a European fighter jet. Photo: Military Today*

Developed in a delta wing configuration with two engines, Rafale stands out thanks to the SPECTRA combat electronic system with the ability to reduce reflected signals through intelligent processing algorithms. The aircraft also uses the Thales RBE2 multi-function electronically scanned array radar, which helps improve the ability to detect and deal with many types of threats in the air and on the ground. Thanks to these technologies, Rafale is ranked among the world's leading fighters and plays the role of the main fighter of the French Air Force.

In combat, Rafale can undertake a wide range of missions from reconnaissance, long-range interception, fire support for ground forces, deep attacks into enemy territory to destroying aircraft carriers or deploying tactical nuclear weapons.

*Integrating modern combat technology and long-range weapons, Dassault Rafale is proving its position as a fighter jet that the whole world must watch. Photo: Military Today*

In terms of equipment, Rafale carries a 30mm GIAT 30/M791 cannon with 125 rounds, along with 14 hardpoints allowing the integration of many types of weapons such as Magic II air-to-air missiles, Storm Shadow cruise missiles, Exocet anti-ship missiles or ASMP-A missiles with TN81 warheads with explosive power from 100-300 kilotons.

The Dassault Rafale comes in three main variants: the single-seat Rafale C, the two-seat Rafale B, and the Naval Rafale M, with a reinforced design and carrier-based capabilities. The airframe has evolved through several upgrades.

The F1 standard initially served only air combat missions; the F2 standard added ground attack capabilities, making the Rafale a true multi-role aircraft; the F3 standard completed strategic combat capabilities by integrating SCALP EG cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, and even nuclear deterrence missions with the ASMP A missile.

The F3R standard then continued to improve sensor technology thanks to the modern RBE2 AESA radar, supporting Meteor missiles and improving the SPECTRA electronic defense system to greatly increase air combat power and long-range attack.

*From speed, range to firepower, Dassault Rafale is asserting its power that the world cannot ignore. Photo: Military Today*

The latest is the F4 standard with upgrades in data connectivity, artificial intelligence to support pilots, electronic defense capabilities and integration of new generation weapons, making Rafale one of the most advanced fighter jets in Europe today.

The Dassault Rafale is currently operated by a group of countries spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. France is the largest operator, with the full range of Rafale C, B and M versions for both air force and navy.

India was the first foreign customer to acquire the Rafale and is continuing to expand its fleet across both the air force and navy. In North Africa, Egypt has acquired significant numbers of Rafales for precision strike and air defense.

In the Gulf region, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have both signed major contracts, making the Rafale a key part of their air force. In Europe, Greece and Croatia have received Rafales to strengthen their airspace control and replace older MiGs.

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia has signed contracts and is gradually receiving Rafale, aiming to build a more modern air force. Thus, to date, Rafale has been put into service or is in the process of being handed over in 8 countries including France, India, Egypt, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, UAE and Indonesia.

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