Dassault Rafale C

The "C" designation indicates the standard single-seat configuration of the aircraft designed for the French Air and Space Force. Dassault developed this specific model to replace their aging fleet of fighters. The French Navy operates a different carrier-launched variant, known as the Rafale M.

The multirole fighter is equipped to carry a massive array of air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. It is compatible with European missiles like the Meteor and SCALP, as well as the American-made GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb. The aircraft features 14 hardpoints, allowing it to carry over 20,000 pounds of ordnance.

The aircraft is designed and manufactured by the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. The fighter entered operational service with the French military in the mid-2000s. Dassault has successfully exported the Rafale to several other nations, including India, Egypt, and Qatar.

The aircraft is capable of reaching a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, which is nearly twice the speed of sound. This high-speed performance is generated by two powerful Snecma M88 turbofan engines. The jet's delta wing and canard design also provide incredible maneuverability during dogfights.