Dassault Rafale export versions & F4 standard
From Egypt in 2015 to Indonesia in 2026 — the Rafale abroad, and the F4 standard that equips the newest buyers · First export delivery 2015 · F4 standard from 2023
Export success came late but quickly. Egypt signed for 24 aircraft on 16 February 2015 and accepted its first three that July, later adding 30 more; Qatar finalised 24 in May 2015, exercised an option for 12 more in December 2017 and took its first aircraft in February 2019; India signed for 36 on 23 September 2016, with the first five arriving at Ambala on 27 July 2020. Each customer's aircraft carry their own designation letters, such as EH and DH for India's single- and two-seaters.
European buyers followed. Greece ordered 18 in 2020 (12 of them second-hand French F3R jets) plus six more in 2022, and Croatia contracted 12 used F3R aircraft (10 single-seat, 2 two-seat) on 25 November 2021; its first six arrived home on 25 April 2024 and the twelfth was delivered on 25 April 2025. Serbia has since ordered 12.
The newest buyers take the F4 standard, which improves connectivity and sensors; the first F4.1 test aircraft was delivered in March 2023. The UAE announced an order for 80 Rafale F4 on 3 December 2021, the largest Rafale export deal, and Indonesia signed for 42 in February 2022, accepting its first six into service on 18 May 2026.
