Image: Dassault Aviation

Dassault Aviation and members of the Egypt’s authorities gathered together on March 8 to celebrate Rafale’s 10,000 flight hours on the operational air base where the Egyptian Air Force’s Rafale “Wild Wolves” squadron is stationed.

After an initial order in 2015, that made Egypt the Rafale’s first export customer, followed by a second in 2021, the Rafale has now reached a new milestone thanks to the Egyptian Air Force: the first 10,000 flight hours operated by a user other than the French air forces.

Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation said: “This milestone confirms the Rafale’s ‘technological and operational excellence,’ and attests to the quality of the training of Egyptian crews received in France. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of the systems and personnel put in place by Dassault Aviation to support the implementation of the aircraft in Egypt. Lastly, it illustrates the great skill of the Egyptian Air Force, which has carried out the transformation of its pilots and mechanics to the Rafale with ease and fluidity.”

He added: “Egypt has chosen the Rafale, recognising its unique ‘game-changer’ character, to ensure its role in full sovereignty as a key player in the regional and international arena, in a demanding geopolitical context. This celebration around the 10,000 flight hours of the Rafale salutes the great mastery of the Egyptian Air Force, the excellence of the Rafale, and honours Dassault Aviation, which has maintained strong relations with Egypt based on trust and commitment for nearly 50 years.”

Dassalt Aviation has delivered over 10,000 military and civil aircraft (including 2,500 Falcons) in more than 90 countries over the last century.