RAFALE

Rafale: who are they?

The Rafale is a multi-role fighter developed by French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation. Designed in the 1980s and entering service in the early 2000s, it meets the need for an aircraft capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions: air superiority, ground strikes, reconnaissance and nuclear deterrence. The Rafale illustrates France’s technological expertise in combat aviation, and is today one of the pillars of the French air and space force.

Among the main bases where these aircraft are deployed, air base 113 “Saint-Dizier – Robinson”, located in northeastern France, occupies a strategic position. It is home to the 1/4 Gascogne fighter squadron, a prestigious unit with a long military tradition. This squadron, which operates the two-seater version of the Rafale (the Rafale B), plays a central role in the airborne component of France’s nuclear deterrent, while retaining a capacity for action on other types of conventional missions. The Saint-Dizier base is thus a strategic point for French combat aviation, with the 1/4 Gascogne squadron as one of its major players.

Fleet and equipment

In addition to its impressive performance, the RAFALE stands out for its ease of use and cutting-edge technology. Everything is designed to give the pilot maximum information in minimum time, thanks to an ultra-modern cockpit and a data fusion system. This is what makes the RAFALE so formidable, even with just one pilot on board. In terms of maintenance, it’s also highly efficient: one hour’s flight requires just 3 hours’ maintenance, which is not a lot for an aircraft of this level. At Air Force Base 113, RAFALEs are carefully cared for in specialized hangars, and their pilots train on highly realistic simulators.

The 1/4 Gascogne squadron is always ready for action, including the most sensitive nuclear missions. Last but not least, the RAFALE demonstrates its full power in overseas operations, whether in Africa, the Middle East or elsewhere in the world.