Dassault Aviation's single-seat Rafale M fighter entered operational service with the French navy's 12F squadron at Landivisau air base late last month. The unit was reformed with 10 Rafale Ms in May 2001 and achieved initial operating capability with the F1 air-defence-standard aircraft in October 2002. The French navy will receive a total of 25 Rafale Ms and 35 two-seat Rafale Ns by 2012, with production to resume next year.

 

Source: Flight International