Rafale C

The single-seat Rafale C will perform air-to-air missions as well as ground attack missions. The French Air Force will procure up to 95 Rafale Cs through 2019. The first squadron equipped with the Rafale C will achieve initial operational capability in 2006. It will replace current Mirage F1 and Mirage 2000B/C aircraft. On 27 June 2006, the French Air Force declared the first Rafale-equipped squadron operational at Air Force Base 113, BA 113, in Saint-Dizier. EC 01.007 squadron, also known as Provence, is equipped with the first 10 Rafale multi-role aircraft of the French Air Force. On September 24, 2004, the French Ministry of Defense awarded a €3.1 billion multiyear contract for 59 Rafale aircraft to an industry team comprising Dassault Aviation (€1.5 billion), Snecma (€600 million), Thales (€500 million), MBDA and Sagem. The Rafale aircraft ordered by the French Armed Forces will be furnished following the multi-role standard F3 specifications. Deliveries are expected to begin in June 2008 and will continue through January 2012. Under the terms of the multiyear contract, the French Air Force will receive 11 single-seat Rafale Cs replacing aging Mirage F1 and Jaguar aircraft. French Minister of Defense, Alliot-Marie, announced that the third batch of Rafale, comprising 59 aircraft, turn into firm order on December 6, 3004, during a speech at the French Senate about Defense budget. The Rafale first batch contract was awarded in 1994 and was set for 13 aircraft. The second order was awarded in 1999 for 48 aircraft. The third order was announced in September 2004 consisting of 59 aircraft and 118 engines. The total number of Rafale ordered for the French armed forces now stands at 120 units.

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