Recently, Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif claimed that during a period of tension, the Pakistani army shot down six fighter jets, including four Rafale aircraft. However, CDS Chauhan rejected this claim. Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan acknowledged that a fighter jet was damaged during tensions with Pakistan but completely dismissed the claim of shooting down six fighter jets, including Rafale.

India uses Rafale against its enemies, and there are other countries around the world that are also captivated by the Rafale. Let’s learn about them.

Which Countries Are Operating Rafale?

Currently, besides France and India, the countries operating Rafale include Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Greece. Additionally, the French Navy is also using the naval variant of the Rafale. Speaking of foreign orders for Rafale, the first foreign order was placed by Egypt. Egypt began discussions with France in November 2014 for the purchase of Rafale aircraft. On February 16, 2015, Egypt officially ordered 24 Rafale aircraft from France. After Egypt, Qatar purchased Rafale.

Why Has the World Gone Crazy for Rafale?

After joining the French Air Force, Rafale carried out many successful airstrikes in Afghanistan, Syria, and Libya. It was then that the whole world witnessed Rafale’s capabilities. Following this, on March 19, 2011, French Rafale initiated a reconnaissance flight and strike mission over Libya during Operation Harmattan in support of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973. During this, Rafale destroyed air force G-2 / Galeba light attack/trainer aircraft standing on the runway. Additionally, it also destroyed many air defense systems of the Libyan army. Unlike other aircraft, it did not require any early warning aircraft. For all these reasons, the world has gone crazy for Rafale.

Cost of Rafale

Rafale is considered the second most expensive aircraft in the world. Besides France, countries like India and Egypt also use it. The cost of one Rafale is 135 million dollars. India recently made a deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft. This deal between the two countries was finalized for 63,000 crore rupees.