France has unveiled the first Rafale F4 fighter jet for the UAE, a model set to enter flight testing at Dassault Aviation’s Flight Test Centre ahead of deliveries beginning in 2026. The UAE has placed an order for 80 Rafale F4 jets, marking the largest-ever export deal for Dassault Aviation. The UAE will be the second nation to operate the F4 variant, following France.

The Rafale F4 is a significant evolution of the F3R variant, which is currently used by the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the IAF’s F3R models come with 13 India-specific modifications, including advanced weapons like the AASM Hammer and SPICE-guided munitions, the F4 variant offers even more refined technology. It features enhanced avionics, advanced sensors, and improved mission planning, making it superior to the F3 model.

The UAE`s F4 Rafale will integrate newer systems, such as the upgraded Thales RBE2 AESA radar, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and the latest software, increasing its combat efficiency. Additionally, it includes better connectivity for network-centric warfare, offering improved interoperability with allied forces. The UAE will benefit from these advancements, making their F4 Rafales one of the most formidable fighter jets in their arsenal.

While the IAF Rafales are equipped for diverse scenarios, including high-altitude operations in Ladakh, the UAE`s F4 models promise further enhancements that will provide an edge in both offensive and defensive operations.

The Rafale F4 has several upgrades over the Rafale F3R operated by the IAF. Among them are Thales software-defined radio, satellite communications, and other improvements on RBE2 AESA radar, Talios targeting pod, front sector optronics system, and helmet-mounted display capabilities.

The Front Sector Optronics will have a new IRST that will supplement the Rafale’s existing sensor suite, providing improved day/night passive target detection and identification capabilities against low signature aircraft through the infrared spectrum.

The RBE2 AESA radar has new Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Mobile Target Indication and Tracking (GMTI/T) modes. These improvements enhance the Rafale’s ability to produce high-resolution radar imagery at a very long range and detect and track ground targets in every weather condition.

It has a new digital jammer for the SPECTRA self-defense / electronic warfare suite.

The F-4 includes the Thales Scorpion Helmet Mounted Display to accelerate the designation and acquisition of targets, and new, larger side cockpit displays offer improved resolution.

It is armed with MBDA’s MICA NG (Next-Generation) air-to-air missile and the 1,000-kilogram variant of Safran’s AASM “Hammer” precision-guided munition. The 1,000-kilogram variant provides the Rafale with an enhanced strike capability. The aircraft can now carry three of these bombs.A new integrated propulsion system in the bombs also extends the standoff range. The latest variant also has a laser-homing AASM version that is especially suited to destroying moving targets at a distance of several kilometers with high precision. It is also possible to control the munition flight time, laser illumination, and in-flight weapon settings for terminal laser guidance AASMs.

Dassault Aviation is positioning the Rafale F4 as a key player in India’s defense future, with the French company offering the advanced variant for India`s 114 Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal. The F4 offers backward compatibility with the existing Rafale F3 jets, enabling the Indian Air Force (IAF) to upgrade its current fleet to the F4 standard seamlessly.

This upgrade comes as the Indian Navy is also finalizing a deal for 26 Rafale M fighters. If Dassault wins the MRFA contract, India’s Rafale fleet could grow to 176 aircraft, positioning the country as the second-largest operator of Rafale jets globally, behind France. Dassault`s optimism extends to 2040 projections, where the Indian Navy could surpass France’s Navy to become the largest operator of Rafale M fighters.

In support of this expanding fleet, Dassault is setting up a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Uttar Pradesh, strengthening its commitment to long-term defense cooperation with India. With these advancements, India is poised to become a formidable Rafale operator, bolstering both air and naval power in the coming decades.