Saudi Arabia is considering the purchase of 54 multi-role Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France, marking what could be the kingdom’s first-ever acquisition of a French combat aircraft. According to reports from the French financial newspaper La Tribune, Riyadh has officially requested a complete quote from Dassault Aviation and has set a deadline of November 10 for the company’s response.
While this development doesn’t necessarily guarantee a deal, the timeline is notable. Notably, Saudi Arabia had previously considered acquiring between 100 and 200 Rafale jets, according to a report from La Tribune last year, citing anonymous sources.
The Dassault Rafale, designed by Dassault Aviation, is a multi-role aircraft that took its maiden flight in 1991 and was officially commissioned in 2002. It represents a significant investment in aeronautical technology, with the program cost amounting to 43.56 billion euros so far. Depending on the model, the unit cost varies: the Rafale B is estimated at 73 million euros, the Rafale C at 68 million, and the Rafale M at 78 million. It’s not just a choice for France but also for several other countries like Egypt, Qatar, and India.