France's Rafale fighter has gained significant popularity, leading to concerns that the manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, may struggle to meet the increasing demand. This issue could have global implications for countries seeking to bolster their air forces amidst conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, while aiming to avoid the political entanglements associated with purchasing Russian or US combat aircraft.
The Rafale, known as the 'Squall,' is a generation 4.5 fighter aircraft with advanced features including limited stealth capabilities, the ability to supercruise, and the capacity to launch long-range missiles such as the Meteor and Mica. Currently, eight nations either fly or have ordered the Rafale, including Egypt, Greece, India, Qatar, Croatia, the UAE, Indonesia, and France.
