Arab Defense Website – October 9, 2025: This morning, three Rafale fighters left the French Bordeaux-Mérignac base on their way to Egypt — a batch consisting of two single-seat fighters bearing the codes EM11 and EM12, and a double-seat fighter bearing the code DM21. These deliveries come in the context of the contract concluded by Cairo regarding the acquisition of 30 additional Rafale aircraft, to be added to the 24 current aircraft in service, bringing the targeted total to 54 fighters.
The first batch was expected to be delivered in 2024 and all batches to be completed in 2025, but delivery dates were delayed due to the introduction of the latest version F4 into production lines and its impact on manufacturing and delivery schedules.
The facelifted Rafale F4 features several practical upgrades; It was equipped with a “Scorpion” helmet, which enables the pilot to track targets and direct weapons with high precision without the need to move his head. The digital communication platforms inside the aircraft have also witnessed significant improvements in the data exchange system, enhancing tactical cooperation between aircraft and the capabilities of exchanging information in real time.
The updates also included upgrades to the radar and cyber protection systems, which increased the fighter’s ability to detect threats and confront electronic interference, in addition to enabling it to launch “Meteor” missiles to its full range, which enhances its air control capabilities.
The Egyptian deal for “Rafale” fighters is considered one of the most prominent air arms deals in the history of the modern Egyptian Armed Forces, as it was signed in May 2021 between Cairo and Paris, and included Egypt obtaining an additional 30 “Rafale” fighters with its advanced F3R version, to be added to the previous fleet of 24 fighters that were fully delivered in the period between 2015 and 2019, thus bringing The total number of fighters reached 54 aircraft.
The total value of the contract amounted to about 3.75 billion euros, and includes aircraft, technical equipment, training and spare parts, in addition to a wide armament package that includes long-range “Meteor” air-to-air missiles, “Scalp” cruise missiles, and “AASM Hammer” laser-guided smart bombs, which is an armament system that enhances Egypt’s capabilities to carry out precise strikes. Long range in various weather conditions.
It was agreed to implement the deal through soft French loans covering about 85% of its value, while the Egyptian government will pay the remaining percentage over several years. The implementation of the contract faced some delay due to the introduction of the newer F4 version of the Rafale into the production lines, which is the version that Egypt will obtain directly, thus becoming one of the first users of it after France.
This version is distinguished by advanced communication and data exchange technologies, and advanced radar and electronic systems capable of dealing with cyber threats and modern electronic warfare, in addition to enabling the aircraft to operate the “Meteor” missile with its full operational range, which exceeds 150 kilometers. It was also equipped with an integrated “Scorpion” display helmet that gives the pilot the immediate ability to identify targets and direct weapons simply by looking at them, making the fighter one of the most advanced European aircraft in air control and precision strike missions.
The deal is an affirmation of the depth of the defense partnership between Egypt and France, which has developed since 2015 and includes cooperation in the maritime, air and missile fields, thus consolidating Paris’s position as one of Cairo’s most prominent providers of strategic military systems.
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