Find out more about the Dassault Rafale’s missions in the Sahel, its strategic impact and its contributions to French military operations.

Since 2013, the Dassault Rafale has played a central role in France’s military operations in the Sahel, notably during operations Serval and Barkhane. This multi-purpose fighter jet has been essential in the fight against armed terrorist groups in this region.

The Sahel region, encompassing countries such as Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Chad, is facing growing terrorist threats. In response, France launched Operation Serval in 2013, followed by Operation Barkhane in 2014, aimed at stabilizing the region and supporting local forces.

Rafale missions in the Sahel: a detailed analysis

1. Close air support: essential support for troops on the ground The Rafale plays a crucial role in the Sahel.

The Rafale plays a crucial role in close air support, intervening directly to protect and reinforce ground forces engaged in combat. This mission involves precise strikes on identified enemy positions, often in urban or semi-desert areas, where precision is essential to avoid collateral damage.

During Operation Serval in 2013, the Rafale was deployed to secure strategic zones in Mali. These operations neutralized fortified positions and enemy convoys, facilitating the progress of French and Malian troops. Strikes on enemy bases in northern Mali, for example, enabled the recapture of towns such as Gao and Kidal, key points for ground operations.

Thanks to its versatile armament, including laser-guided bombs such as the GBU-12, the Rafale offers surgical strike capability. This precision was decisive in ensuring the safety of forces on the ground and limiting the impact on civilian populations.

2. Reconnaissance and surveillance: critical data for operations

The Rafale is equipped with the RECO NG reconnaissance pod, which captures high-resolution images day and night. This data is used to identify enemy movements, locate logistics bases and assess operating terrain.

In 2019, the Rafale played a key role in Sahel surveillance, providing crucial intelligence to commanders on the ground. These reconnaissance missions identified isolated terrorist camps and strategic supply routes, facilitating targeted strikes or intervention by ground forces. The Rafale’s ability to fly at high altitude while collecting precise data enables it to cover a wide area, essential in the vast desert expanse of the Sahel.

What’s more, the Rafale’s optronic systems enable real-time analysis, giving commanders a clear view of the situation on the ground, which improves decision-making.

3. Air interdiction: a strategy to limit enemy movements One of the Rafale’s main missions is to prevent enemy movements.

One of the Rafale’s main missions is to carry out pre-emptive strikes on the critical infrastructures of armed groups, such as ammunition depots, rear bases and logistical axes. This strategy aims to prevent enemy forces from reorganizing or moving freely.

As part of operations in the Sahel, the Rafale has targeted convoys carrying weapons and fuel. These strikes have considerably reduced the operational capacity of terrorist groups by disrupting their supply lines. For example, missions in 2020 led to the destruction of several arms caches in the Liptako-Gourma region, on the border between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

The Rafale is also equipped with SCALP-EG missiles, capable of striking long-range targets with extreme precision, making it an indispensable tool for air interdiction operations.

4. Deterrence and show of force: a lasting strategic effect.

The mere presence of the Rafale in the skies over the Sahel has a significant deterrent effect on armed groups. This show of force reinforces the credibility of French operations and demonstrates our ability to respond rapidly to threats.

During Barkhane operations, demonstration flights were carried out to send a clear message to armed groups operating in the region. The Rafale’s speed and maneuverability, combined with its ability to fly at very low altitudes, serve as a reminder that French forces have indisputable air superiority.

These deterrence missions also serve to reassure local populations and international partners that security is assured. For example, surveillance flights and demonstrations were carried out in 2021 to secure critical areas during election periods in Mali.

Thanks to its versatility and advanced capabilities, the Rafale flies a wide range of missions in the Sahel, from direct support to strategic intelligence and deterrence operations. Its contribution is essential to maintaining stability and ensuring the success of French operations in this complex region.

Technical characteristics of the Rafale relevant to the Sahel : Polyvalence

• Versatility : The Rafale can carry out a variety of missions, from ground attack to air superiority, adapting to changing needs on the ground.
• Autonomy: With a range of over 1,800 km, it covers vast areas without frequent refueling.
• Weaponry: It can carry a variety of weapons, including laser-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles, offering tactical flexibility.

Rafale’s strategic impact in the Sahel

Neutralization of strategic targets

The Rafale’s involvement in Sahel operations has enabled it to target critical infrastructure belonging to armed terrorist groups, such as ammunition depots, armed vehicles and fortified positions. Thanks to its precision capabilities, this fighter has weakened the logistical and operational resources of these groups.

A striking example is the use of GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and SCALP-EG missiles for surgical strikes. These weapons were deployed to destroy terrorist camps in isolated regions such as northern Mali. These strikes limited enemy movements and protected ground troops operating in high-risk areas.

The Rafale also played a key role in securing vital communication routes. By eliminating potential threats, it enabled the safe deployment of local and allied forces, reinforcing the stabilization of strategic areas such as Gao and Timbuktu.

Rapid air support and stabilization of key areas

One of the Rafale’s major strengths is its ability to react quickly to requests for support from ground troops. During enemy attacks or infiltration missions, the aircraft can be mobilized in a matter of minutes to intercept and neutralize threats. This reduced response time has saved lives and ensured the safety of the soldiers involved.

Its speed of 1,900 km/h and range of 1,800 km without refueling enable the Rafale to cover vast, hard-to-reach territories such as the Sahelian desert. This speed of intervention has made a major contribution to stabilizing regions where the safety of civilian populations and infrastructures has been compromised.

International cooperation and local capacity building

The Rafale was deployed within a framework of international cooperation, notably as part of Operation Barkhane, which brings together European and African partners. Coordination between the Rafale and other aircraft, such as Reaper drones and Tiger helicopters, has led to greater interoperability, enhancing the effectiveness of operations.

At the same time, technical and operational training has been provided to the air forces of Sahelian countries. These include training in the use of airbases, equipment maintenance and reconnaissance data analysis. These efforts are aimed at making local partners more autonomous in the management of their airspace.

In Niger, for example, training workshops have been set up to enhance the capabilities of the country’s air force. These initiatives strengthen long-term cooperation and increase the defense capabilities of the countries concerned.

Challenges in the field

Extreme climatic conditions in the Sahel, such as sandstorms and temperatures approaching 50°C, put equipment and personnel to the test. These conditions can disrupt the Rafale’s electronic systems and limit visibility for reconnaissance missions.

However, thanks to its robust design and regular maintenance by specialized teams, the Rafale has maintained an operational availability rate in excess of 80%. Forward bases in Niger (Niamey) and Mali (Gao) have played an essential role in aircraft maintenance and refueling.

Operational developments and the Rafale’s future role

Following the end of Operation Barkhane in 2022, France has adjusted its military strategy in the region, reducing its footprint while continuing to support its African partners. The Rafale remains a key element in stabilization and counter-terrorism operations, even with a reduced French presence.

The Rafale’s current missions are moving towards targeted strikes and enhanced surveillance, while supporting local forces to gradually take over. These changes reflect the need to adapt operations to the ever-changing geopolitical situation in the Sahel region.

France is also exploring the use of a hybrid cooperation model, combining the power of the Rafale with emerging technologies such as UAVs, to maximize the impact of operations while reducing the risks to personnel.

The Dassault Rafale has demonstrated its strategic effectiveness in the Sahel, playing a central role in French military operations. Its versatility, rapid response and ability to operate in extreme conditions have enhanced regional security. Through its contribution, it illustrates an approach where advanced technology and international cooperation combine to meet complex challenges.

We offer a fighter jet rides in France – come fly with us! And you can even take the controls!