UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement
Project Corvus will look for a replacement for the Watchkeeper Mk1 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) that was retired from service in the British Army in March 2025.
Egypt to more than double its Rafale fleet
The Egyptian Air Force will increase its fleet of Dassault Rafale fighters to 54 aircraft. (Photo: Dassault)
Dassault receives follow-on order for 30 Rafales for the Egyptian Air Force.
Dassault on 4 May confirmed a follow-on order from Egypt for 30 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft.
‘This new order complements the first acquisition of 24 Rafales signed on February 2015 and will bring the number of Rafales flying under Egyptian colours to 54, making the Egyptian Air Force the second [largest Rafale fleet] in the world after the French Air Force,’ the aircraft manufacturer announced in a statement.
Florence Parly, French Minister of the Armed Forces, stated on social media: ‘I welcome the sale of 30 Rafale to Egypt, a strategic partner. This export success is crucial for our sovereignty and the maintenance of 7,000 industrial jobs in France for three years.’
The delivery schedule for the 30 extra Rafales remains undisclosed at the time of writing. In February 2021, Shephard reported that the Egyptian Air Force was finally able to arm its Rafale fleet with the MBDA SCALP long-range stand-off attack missile. Issues around US export licences for SCALP components had put the Rafale follow-on order in limbo.
The follow-on order for 30 aircraft far exceeds the original offer for 12 more Rafales at an estimated unit cost of $110 million apiece (according to Shephard Defence Insight).
If this value is translated in this new contract, the procurement cost of 30 Rafales alone would be about $3.3 billion. However, the overall value of the deal will be higher than that if (as is likely) munitions and other related equipment and services are included.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK MoD unveils first steps for British Army Watchkeeper replacement]()
-
![Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark]()
Sweden requests approval to pursue Gripen and GlobalEye sales to Peru and Denmark
The Swedish Government has asked parliament to authorise two possible export sales as part of its 2025 Spring amending budget bill.
-
![Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces]()
Germany confirms loitering munitions contracts for its armed forces
Contracts for the procurement of two platforms have been signed, and will be tested by the German armed forces.
-
![Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II]()
Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
