Saudi Arabia Eyes Rafale Jets: Strengthening Air Combat Capabilities with France
On December 3, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed during a state visit to Saudi Arabia that discussions on selling Rafale fighter jets to the Gulf nation were advancing. Saudi Arabia, already equipped with a formidable air fleet, expressed strong interest in acquiring these advanced jets.
Currently, Saudi Arabia’s Royal Air Force operates 383 high-tech aircraft, including Eurofighter Typhoons, F-15C/SA Strike Eagles, and Tornado jets. However, integrating Rafale jets could further bolster their air combat capabilities.
According to Forbes, Saudi Arabia might procure at least 54 Rafale F4 jets, valued at approximately $12 billion, including logistics, training, and weapon packages. These twin-engine multirole fighters, built by Dassault Aviation, are globally recognized for their advanced technology, deployed by countries like India, Egypt, and the UAE.
The Rafale's specifications make it a powerful addition to any air force. It features a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (1,912 km/h), a combat range of 1,850 km, and a payload capacity of 9.5 tons. Its avionics include the Thales RBE2-AA radar, advanced targeting systems, and the ability to carry cutting-edge weapons like the Meteor air-to-air missile and Exocet anti-ship missile.
As regional tensions grow, particularly in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia's interest in Rafales signals its commitment to maintaining aerial superiority. If finalized, the deal would mark another significant milestone in Saudi-France defense collaboration.##Sources: Al Jazeera, Forbes
