Rafale Demand Drives Strong 2024, Backlog Now At 299 Aircraft

Dassault Aviation announced its financial results for fiscal year 2024 and laid out its strategic plan for this year. The company reported revenues of €6.2 billion in 2024, a 29% increase over 2023, and its adjusted net income was more than €1 billion.

The company’s order book grew last year, propelled by the demand for its Rafale fighter jet. The total order backlog for the Rafale grew to 299 aircraft valued at €43.2 billion. There were orders for 30 Rafales from export customers, 18 from Indonesia, and 12 from Serbia. Although France did not place any orders for the Rafale, Falcon business jet orders grew to 26, up from 23 the previous year.

Dassault said that despite continuing disruptions in the supply chain, 21 Rafale and 31 Falcon aircraft were delivered, compared to 13 Rafale and 26 Falcon jets in 2023. Éric Trappier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Aviation said, “Dassault Aviation is continuing to ramp up production of the Rafale against a backdrop of persistent external and internal supply chain issues.”

To counteract the supply chain issues, Dassault said it is strengthening its industry collaborations, investment support, supplier assistance, alternative sourcing, and proactive internal monitoring.

As for the future, Dassault Aviation is looking to the F5 upgrade of the Rafale fighter, which will feature more powerful engines, better survivability and data links, and will be accompanied by its newest wingman, an advanced version of the nEUROn combat drone. The Rafale F5 is slated to enter service by 2030 and is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the French Air & Space Force.

Meanwhile, development work on the Falcon 10X bizjet is on track with first deliveries expected by the end of 2027.

Dassault Aviation is forecasting net sales to increase to €6.5 billion while delivering 40 Falcon bizjets and 25 Rafale fighter jets.

FMI:  www.dassault-aviation.com/