The Rafale:Operators and Operations

An AdA Rafale [Image 1]

Another AdA Rafale [Image 2]

      The Rafale is now in service in the trials and training role with the French Air Force,which received a nucleus of 8 to 10 Rafale F2s, and looks set to enter full operational service (with robust air-to-air and stand off air-to-ground precision attack capabilities). The aircraft is already in limited operational service with the French Navy (Flotille 12F) in the air-to-air role, and has undertaken a great deal of air-to-ground trials and evaluation work. 61 aircraft were ordered (36 for the Air Force and 25 for the Navy)
Prospective Operators:
Although no foreign sales have been made,period,the type has been rated highly in a number of evaluations.Previous French fighter aircraft, such as the Mirage family, have performed well on the export market (and continue to do so) but the Rafale has proved to be more difficult to sell in the international arena.Some potential users include:
1)South Korea where it lost out to F 16 after being shortlisted for selection
2)Singapore which preferred Boeing F15 SG
3) Pakistan Air Force showed interest in the plane and was reportedly very impressed by its dual F-16 style control sticks, which PAF pilots are used to. Presently the PAF has no official interest in the Rafale as it feels satisfied with the F-16, Chengdu J-10 and JF-17 Thunder. However EADS continues to link Pakistan as a potential customer when there is a 4.5 Gen.Fighter requirement
4)India where it is in competition for the Multirole Aircraft slot
5)Libya
6)Switzerland
7)Romania
The last two seeking replacements for F-5 Tiger IIs and MiG 21s

Operational history
The first Rafale deployed in a combat zone were those of the French Navy during Opération Héraclès, the French participation in Operation Enduring Freedom. They flew from the Charles de Gaulle over Afghanistan as soon as 2002, but the F1 standard precluded air-to-ground missions and the Rafale did not see any action.In 2007, after a "crash program" enhancement some six Rafales were given the ability to drop laser-guided bombs, in view of engaging them in Afghanistan. Three of these aircraft belonging to the Air Force were deployed to Dushanbe in Tadjikistan, while the three others were Rafale Marine of the Navy on board the Charles De Gaulle.The first mission occurred on March 12, and the first GBU-12 was launched in support of embattled Dutch troops in Southern Afghanistan, marking the operational début of the Rafale. However, they still have to rely on Mirage 2000Ds and Super Etendards carrying laser designation pods to illuminate their targe