Rafale M

The single-seat Rafale M (Marine) has been developed to replace the Super Etendard and Crusader aircraft onboard the French aircraft carrier/s. It will perform any mission currently carried out by current French carrier-based aircraft. Rafale M achieved initial operational capability in 2002 onboard the Charles de Gaulle nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The French plans to procure up to 60 Rafales to equip two aircraft carriers. On June 25, 2004, Rafale F1 standard entered service with the French Navy's 12 Flottille or 12F at Landivisau naval air base. The 10 Rafale M assigned to 12F will be deployed on the Charles de Gaulle nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The Rafale M program scope was optimized for one one aircraft (Charles de Gaulle) with 31 aircraft to be procured. The Rafale Ms onboard Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier proved fully operational in May 2006 during combat missions in support of multinational forces deployed in Afghanistan. Early in March 2007, the French Air Force deployed for the first time three Rafale fighter aircraft to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in support of ISAF operations in Afghanistan. Another 12 Rafale M aircraft based at Charles de Gaulle carrier were expected to join the ISAF operations shortly. On March 24, 2007, three Rafale F2 equipped with laser guided bombs and based at the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier performed successfully their first combat mission over Afghanistan. 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 Navy will receive 12 carrier-based Rafale Ms to replace aging Super Etendard 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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