France can start producing the first Rafale fighters for Ukraine in just 7 years – after 2032. This opinion was expressed in a conversation with RIA Novosti by the Director of the Center for Analysis of Global Arms Trade (TSAMTO), Igor Korotchenko.
“Dassault Aviation's capacity reserves will be enough to start production of Rafale for Ukraine after 2032,” the expert said.
At the same time, Korotchenko added that the question remains as to who will finance the proposed transaction worth up to $15 to $28.5 billion. By the way, the price of a new Rafale fighter, depending on the weapons and services package ordered, starts at $150 million.
Currently, Dassault Aviation is completing contracts to supply Rafale fighter jets to Egypt (30 aircraft), Indonesia (42 aircraft), India (26 aircraft), Croatia and Serbia (12 aircraft each), as well as the UAE (80 aircraft). The company also plans to increase fighter jet production to three per month by 2026 and to four by 2028-2029, but for now this remains just a plan, Korotchenko concluded.
