Dassault Aviation Unveils First Rafale F4 for UAE Air Force
Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier has officially presented the first Rafale F4 fighter jet built for the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAE AF). The event was attended by French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs Mohamed Bin Moubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei.
The unveiled jet, a two-seat variant with the serial number 1101, will remain at Dassault Aviation’s Flight Test Center for scheduled evaluations before its delivery to the UAE AF, planned for the end of 2026. This marks the first Rafale F4 produced under the deal signed for 80 advanced fighter jets.
On December 3, 2021, Dassault Aviation signed a record-breaking contract to supply 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates. The deal is worth €16.6 billion ($17.10 billion), including €2 billion ($2.06 billion) for advanced weapons. This is the largest defense export contract in French history and the biggest foreign order for Rafale jets. The contract officially started in April 2022 when the UAE made its first payment.
The acquisition of the Rafale F4 is a significant step in modernizing the UAE’s air capabilities, replacing the older Mirage 2000-9 fighters currently in service. The Rafale F4 features upgraded avionics, enhanced radar, improved connectivity, and next-gen weapons, making it a key addition to the UAE’s air defense capabilities.
The Dassault Rafale is a powerful multi-role fighter jet designed for both carrier and land-based operations. It has been used in combat missions, including counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Syria. The jet can take off in just 400 meters and reaches a top speed of Mach 1.8 (2,200 km/h) with an operational range of 1,850 km at high altitudes. It features the RBE2 AA AESA radar, providing precise targeting and advanced situational awareness.
The Rafale is armed with Meteor air-to-air missiles, SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM Hammer guided bombs, and AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. It also includes the SPECTRA electronic warfare system, which enhances self-protection and threat detection.
The latest F4 standard introduces major upgrades, including better radar, electronic warfare, AI-assisted sensor fusion, and an upgraded helmet-mounted display. The jet’s communication systems have been improved for networked warfare, and it is ready for future weapon integrations. These advancements make the Rafale F4 one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.