French Rafale fighter jets are in global demand, with recent sales to India, Croatia, and potentially Iraq. This highlights an increased defense spending across Europe and the Middle East.
India recently finalized a $7.4 billion deal with French aerospace firm Dassault Aviation for twenty-six Rafale omnirole fighters, including twenty-two carrier-capable Rafale M single-seat aircraft and four twin-seat trainer aircraft.
The announcement was made just days before NATO member Croatia received the final of a dozen Rafale fighters, which are replacing the Balkan nation’s fleet of Soviet-era Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter/interceptor aircraft that it has operated since the early 1990s.
“Today, we complete a project strategically transforming the Croatian Air Force. This squadron is not just a military capability but also a clear message, the Croatian Army, particularly the Croatian Air Force, safeguards the security of Croatian citizens with modern fighter aircraft,” wrote Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić on X.
Paris and Zagreb finalized the purchase of twelve Rafale fighters in a deal valued at approximately $1.21 billion in 2021. The deal included the aircraft, spare parts, three years of logistical support, and training of Croatian Air Force pilots and personnel in France.
The acquisition of the advanced fighter jets is part of Croatia’s efforts to increase defense spending. The company has pledged to hit the NATO goal of two percent of GDP this year and could see that number rise to 2.5 percent in 2027.
According to a report from The Defense Post, Zagreb “seeks to increase it to 3 percent in the coming years, ultimately.”
The former Yugoslavian republic has been steadily modernizing its military, including divesting its Soviet-era and Russian-made military hardware. It previously retired its fleet of Mi-8 helicopters, which were provided to Ukraine, while it has also adopted American-made Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.
Iraq Is Looking to Close a Deal for the Rafales with France
Though Dassault’s pitch of the Rafale to militaries in South America hasn’t resulted in any contracts, at least yet, the aircraft remains in far greater demand in Europe and the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates received its first Rafale earlier this year, while it is already in operation in Qatar, with Saudi Arabia considering an acquisition of the fighter.
Last fall, Iraq proposed a deal with France that would see the Middle Eastern nation provide oil supplies in exchange for a dozen fighter jets. The Rafales wouldn’t replace but complement the Iraqi Air Force’s American-made F-16IQ fighters.
The oil-for-equipment exchange, valued at around $3 billion, would include a dozen of the newest models, ordnance for the fighters, spare parts, maintenance, and pilot training.
According to recent reports, Baghdad has already made a down payment of $240 million, with the remainder to be structured via oil deliveries to France. One sticking point has been whether Iraq will receive the F4-standard aircraft along with the Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles, which has resulted in protests from Israel.
The Rafale entered service in 2001 and has been progressively equipped to more advanced standards. It has been used in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria in combat.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
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