Dassault Aviation has successfully concluded negotiations for the sale of 12 Rafale fighter jets to Serbia, marking a significant advancement in bilateral relations between France and Serbia, as reported by LaTribune. This agreement not only strengthens military cooperation between the two countries but also highlights their growing strategic partnership. Finalized earlier this summer, the deal is seen as having broader geopolitical implications, particularly given the ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo.
The Dassault Rafale is a multi-role fighter aircraft with twin engines and a delta wing, designed and produced by Dassault Aviation. Initially conceived in the late 1980s, its production officially began in December 1992, although it was briefly halted in 1995 due to political and economic uncertainties. Production resumed in 1997, and the first Rafale M, designed for naval operations, flew in 1999. The aircraft entered service with the French Navy in 2002 and the French Air Force in 2004. To date, 120 Rafales have been officially ordered, with the aircraft serving in both land-based and carrier-based operations for the French military.