The CEO of Dassault Aviation, Éric Trappier, stated that Taiwan has shown interest in the Rafale fighter jet, but emphasized that the decision to sell the aircraft is political and diplomatic, and rests with the French government.
During a hearing at the French National Assembly, Trappier also discussed the challenges in maintaining Taiwan’s Mirage 2000 aircraft, which are being replaced by the Rafale F4, and the supply of spare parts, which can take up to two years.
Deputy Marie-Noëlle Battistel, chair of the France-Taiwan Friendship Group, noted that during a visit to Taiwan in June 2025, she heard concerns from the government and armed forces regarding the operational maintenance of the Mirage 2000. Trappier confirmed that Dassault supports Taiwan with maintenance, but reiterated that the sale of Rafale fighters depends on the French government, not the company.
Currently, the RoCAF operates 54 Mirage 2000-5, 139 upgraded F-16s, and 129 local F-CK-1 Ching-kuo fighters. Taiwan is also awaiting delivery of 66 new F-16C/D Block 70 aircraft and maintains five E-2K early warning aircraft.
The country is also seeking support from France and the U.S. for aerial refueling and surveillance, while China opposes any foreign military supply to Taipei, maintaining diplomatic pressure on the region.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @Dassault_OnAir | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
