Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)

The Rafale aircraft, born out of France’s exit from the Eurofighter Typhoon programme, now plays a key role in many European and Middle Eastern countries’ combat air fleets – with upgrades for the platform underway to keep its capabilities modern and relevant in the future battlespace.

Three major variants of this aircraft exist – B (two-seat), C (single-seat) and D (improved stealth) – with derivatives of these as well as the carrier version Rafale M. The Rafale is operated by eight countries, while the Rafale M is operated by two: India and France.

The largest fleet of Rafale jets is operated by France, which intends to reach a total of 178 fighters by 2030 and 225 by 2035. It currently owns and operates 119 aircraft with a total orderbook of 132.

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However, despite earmarking an additional US$11.6 billion for its rearmament effort, the French government did not include any extra procurement funding for the Rafale jets in its latest announcement. Its fleet total goal, according to previous statements from the French government, still remains 225.

Other current customers include Croatia, which completed deliveries in 2025, Egypt, Greece, Qatar, the UAE and Indonesia. Indonesia is the latest customer country in the list to begin receiving its aircraft, originally signing for the first batch of jets in 2022 with deliveries made at the start of 2026.

Customers

	Ordered	Delivered	Inventory	OSD
CROATIA	11	12	12	2039
EGYPT	54	27	27	2040
FRANCE	132	119	119	2026
GREECE	12	6	20	2052
INDIA	36	36	36	2044
INDONESIA	42	8	7	2050
QATAR	36	36	36	2044
SERBIA	12	0	0	U
UAE	80	0	0	2052

OSD = Out of Service Date

U = Unverified

Ukraine could also be a future recipient of the Rafale. In November 2025, France said Ukraine would received up to 100 Rafale F4 fighter jets with the two countries signing a Letter of Intent (LoI). In June 2026, French Ambassador to Sweden Carlier Thierry noted in a post on X that the Rafale jets were due to join Ukraine “soon” in the wake of Ukraine firming its order for Gripen E aircraft.

Competitive orderbook backlog with huge potential India deal

Shephard has forecast a market opportunity worth US$68 billion for the Rafale fighter jet, which is largely made up of follow-on orders for existing customers, as well as new potential procurement opportunities from countries like Iraq and Bangladesh.

For Iraq, Shephard estimates that a contract could be finalised in a year from 2026 onwards for a deal worth up to $3 billion, including maintenance and training. French media sources had reported that Iraq was seeking to procure 12 aircraft. The total procurement cost for 24 Rafale aircraft is expected to be around $1.6 billion.

India stands as a key country to order further Rafale aircraft under its Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme. As Rajnath Singh, India’s defence minister, noted: “Our collaboration with France is limitless…to our mutually beneficial partnership.”

In September 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) submitted a proposal to the French Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the acquisition of 114 new Rafale fighters. In late May 2026, the Indian MoD confirmed this.

It is expected that negotiations will begin later in 2026, and that the agreement will likely be finalised by early 2027. As part of the agreement, it was confirmed that 60% of the aircraft would be manufactured in-country, as part of the Made In India effort. The total programme is estimated to be valued at $39 billion.

F5 upgrade to enter service by 2030 but questions remain

France had announced plans to upgrade its existing F4 Rafale fleet to F5 standard, which are set to enter service in 2030. However, after setbacks on funding with the UAE pulling out of the programme in April 2026, the country is funding the $5 billion project solo.

Key upgrades to the platform include more powerful engines and additional capabilities such as joint operation with uncrewed platforms, sensor fusion, data sharing capabilities and support for hypersonic nuclear weapons. In addition, the Rafale F5 will be equipped with a new EW suite.

According to the Ministry of the French Armed Forces, the new F5 variant will be accompanied by an uncrewed aerial system (UAV) – otherwise known as a ‘loyal wingman’ – and be capable of carrying the future hypersonic nuclear missile, the ASN4G.

Related Programmes in Defence Insight

Remote Carrier [French Navy]

Rafale Follow-On [India]

Fighter Aircraft [United Arab Emirates]

Related Equipment in Defence Insight

Rafale M

Rafale