Dassault Rafale vs Eurofighter Typhoon
Fighters ยท ๐ซ๐ท France vs ๐ฉ๐ช Germany
France's omnirole fighter flies from land bases and the carrier Charles de Gaulle, carries the Meteor long-range missile and even a nuclear cruise missile. Export sales boomed in the 2020s.
A four-nation European canard-delta fighter optimized for air superiority, later evolved into a capable strike platform. Fast, agile, and widely deployed across NATO.
Key differences
- Eurofighter Typhoon is faster: 2,495 vs 1,912 km/h (+30%).
- Dassault Rafale flies farther: 3,700 vs 2,900 km (+28%).
- Dassault Rafale is cheaper: ~$85M vs ~$100M per unit.
- Eurofighter Typhoon is far more numerous: 600+ built vs 270+.
Specifications side by side
| Dassault Rafale | Eurofighter Typhoon | |
|---|---|---|
| ๐ซ๐ท France | Country of origin | ๐ฉ๐ช Germany |
| 2001 | In service since | 2003 |
| 1,912 km/h | Top speed | 2,495 km/h |
| 3,700 km | Range | 2,900 km |
| 10.3 t | Weight | 11 t |
| 1 | Crew | 1 |
| 30mm GIAT 30, 14 hardpoints: Meteor, MICA, SCALP, Exocet, ASMP-A nuclear | Armament | 27mm Mauser BK-27, 13 hardpoints: Meteor, IRIS-T, Storm Shadow, Brimstone |
| ~$85M | Unit cost | ~$100M |
| 270+ | Units built | 600+ |
Tables compare stated specifications; real combat outcomes depend on crew training, situation, support and rules of engagement โ not stats alone.