On January 29, 2025, the French company Dassault Aviation, at its flight test center in Istria, officially presented and formally handed over to the United Arab Emirates the first Rafale F4 series fighter made for them out of 80 ordered under the 2021 contract. However, the presented two-seat fighter with tail number "1101", as well as the next few, will remain at the disposal of Dassault Aviation at the flight test center in Istra for the implementation of the test program and the training of the Emirati personnel. Actual deliveries of Rafale F4 combat aircraft to the UAE Air Force and Air Defense will begin only from the end of 2026.
The first Dassault Rafale F4 fighter made for the UAE. Istr, 29.01.2025 (c) Dassault Aviation
On December 3, 2021, Dassault Aviation signed a "historic" contract for the supply of 80 Dassault Rafale multi-role fighters in the F4 modification to the United Arab Emirates. The value of the contract is 16.6 billion euros, including 2 billion euros of the cost of guided aircraft weapons, making this agreement the largest in the history of French defense exports. The contract entered into force with the transfer of the first payment to the UAE in April 2022. This contract is also the largest foreign order for Rafale fighter jets.
As part of the UAE Air Force and Air Defense, the new Rafale aircraft will reportedly replace 59 currently in service Dassault Mirage 2000-9 fighters. Thus, the UAE adheres to its long-standing traditional policy of manning its Air Force in parallel with two types of fighters - French and American. The UAE is reportedly planning to sell the Mirage 2000-9 fighter jets jointly with France on preferential terms to Morocco and Egypt (approximately 30 aircraft each).
The first Dassault Rafale F4 fighter made for the UAE. Istr, 29.01.2025 (c) Dassault Aviation
