Rafale destroys Libyan Galeb on the ground for violating NFZ

Initially touted as an air-to-air kill, it is now reported that an Armee de l'Air Rafale has destroyed a Libyan AF Soko G2 Galeb on the ground at Misratah Airbase. The Galeb was initially spotted in the air violating the Libyan No Fly Zone but was only attacked by the coalition after landing.

VIDEO: Rafale, SuE and Hawkeye operations on board Charles de Gaulle

Libye : appareillage et montée en puissance du... by ministeredeladefense

The caption for this video reads: On Sunday, March 20, 2011 the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle departed its home port of Toulon to join its area of ​​operation off the coast of Libya. The aircraft joined him during his transit to Libya.

H/T: Roy RX

Rafale Ms fly first Libya missions off the Charles de Gaulle

Two Rafale Ms of the Aeronavale have flown their first missions in Libya from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The two jets were on a reconnaissance mission carrying Reco NG recce pods and did not carry out combat activities.

Charles de Gaulle sets sail for action over Libya

The French Navy has deployed it's sole aircraft carrier, the FNS Charles de Gaulle to support the air campaign over Libya. The carrier's air wing comprises of 20 aircraft, mostly Rafales and Super Etendards, as well as helicopters and two E-2 Hawkeye early warning aircraft.

Armee de l'Air draws first blood over Libya

Late Saturday evening, the Armee de l'Air (French Air Force) became the first coalition air force to drop live weapons in enforcement of the Libyan no-fly zone when its Mirage 2000s dropped precision guided weapons on tanks of the Libyan government threatening rebel-held Benghazi. According to the French, Rafales also flew reconnaissance missions and CAP over Libya.

Sarkozy promises Brazil Rafale technology transfer

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has promised France's government would support Dassault's proposed technology transfer to Brazil of its Rafale omnirole fighter in its bid to win Brazil's fighter contract. The Rafale had appeared close to clinching its first export success but Brazil's new President has appeared to be leaning towards Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

French Rafales to acquire reconnaissance capability

Working its way towards the Omnirole tag, Armee de l'Air and Aeronavale Rafales will acquire reconnaissance capabilities through the use of the Thales AREOS Reco NG pods. In addition to still imagery, the pod is capable of producing video and measuring speeds of moving objects.

French Rafales to make Aero India debut

France is sending two Rafale fighters to the Aero India airshow at Bangalore. The French fighter is a contender in the Indian Air Force's competition for 126 Medium Multirole Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). Fellow contender the Eurofighter Typhoon will be represented by two aircraft from the Italian Air Force.

Brazilian President delays fighter decision; F/A-18E/F chances improve

In what might be a blow France's Dassault Rafale, new Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has decided to delay awarding the hotly-contested Brazilian Air Force fighter contract and re-evaluate the finalists' bids. The French bid had seemingly been the front-runner, but Boeing's F/A-18E/F bid might now be given a second wind.

France Purchases 200 Meteor Missiles for Rafales

The French Defence Ministry has announced that a batch of 200 Meteor air-to-air missiles has been ordered to equip Armee de l'Air and Aeronavale Dassault Rafale fighters. The first Meteors will be delivered to the French military in 2018 with integration and certification on the Rafale to take place in the intevening period.

Brazilian AF prefers Super Hornet, but president prefers European option

According to US State Department cables leaked by whistleblower website Wikileaks, the Brazilian Air Force prefers the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet but President Lula preferred a European competitor due to technology transfer concerns. The French Rafale and Swedish Gripens are the other contenders for the tender.

Defective Fuel Readings Led to Rafale loss

According to the French Defence Ministry, defective fuel readings led to the pilot electing to eject from the Rafale which crashed near the carrier Charles de Gaulle in late November. The aircraft was returning to the carrier and carried live ordnance when it crashed.

Wikileaks: Bahraini king agrees Rafale is "yesterdays technology"

Among the slew of American diplomatic cables was one discussing a 2009 meeting between Bahrain's king with General David Petraeus where King Hamad agreed with the General's assessment that the Rafale was "yesterday's technology".

French Rafale crashes off Pakistan

An Aeronavale Rafale fighter has crashed into the Arabian Sea off Pakistan, with the pilot ejecting safely. The aircraft was operating from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which is on a cruise supporting ISAF operations in Afghanistan.

France Wants Jet Fighter Talks With Brazil At G20

France has asked to have bilateral talks with Brazil on the sidelines of next week's G20 summit in South Korea over Brazil's long-running tender to buy fighter jets. Brazil's former president has previously said negotiations were underway to buy the sophisticated Rafale, but has since stepped back from that position to see through the contest.

France’s Rafale jet struggles to hit its target overseas

The Financial Times looks at the problems France's Dassault Rafale has had in securing export orders, as well as the potential consequences for the French aircraft industry and balance sheet.

Charles de Gaulle leaves for Indian Ocean cruise

The French Navy's nuclear powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle will set sail on a four-month mission to fight piracy and terrorism in the Indian Ocean and support NATO troops in Afghanistan. Its combat group will consist of two frigates, a submarine and the 27 aircraft of its air wing which includes ten Rafale F3 Omnirole fighters.

French Form Rafale Training Squadron

France has stood up a squadron of Rafale F3 multirole fighters in Eastern France to train pilots transitioning to the new combat aircraft. The new unit, designated 2/92 Aquitaine, will serve to train beginner pilots, navigators and crew flying older generation aircraft for service on Rafale.

UAE asks for information on Super Hornet; may ditch Rafale

The United Arab Emirates, which had seemed likely to purchase the Dassault Rafale to replace its Mirage 2000 fighters for the UAEAF; has suddenly requested information on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from Boeing. Technology transfer and politics have been cited as possible reasons.