Dassault Aviation posted an “exceptional” order intake of 16.3 billion euros in the first half, but reported difficulties for its supply chain to keep up with its increases, according to a press release published on Wednesday.
These orders are driven by the entry into force of the largest contract in Dassault’s history, related to 80 Rafale fighter jets for the United Arab Emirates, as well as the sale of an additional 6 Rafales to Greece. Business aviation is not far behind with 41 Falcons ordered in the first six months of the year, compared to 51 for all of 2021.
“Supply Chain Challenges”
As Indonesia’s February order of 42 Rafales has not yet come into force, it is not accounted for in the half-year accounts. Despite everything, Eric Trappier denounced a “context of difficulties in the supply chain (suppliers) and a tense and competitive labor market, consequences of the war in Ukraine and the persistence of the Covid-19 epidemic”.
“The impact of these two great crises generates uncertainties in the supply of energy, electronic components and materials, leading to an increase in inflation due to these real or potential shortages, and a weakening of the supply chain that has become at a great risk amplified by the increase in our production rates, ”adds the aircraft manufacturer in a press release.
The aircraft manufacturer’s net profit jumped 28% to 272 million euros, for a stable turnover of 3.1 billion euros, 69% of which corresponded to defense activities and in line with forecasts. Regarding deliveries, Dassault Aviation delivered 7 Rafales and 14 Falcon business jets in the first half.
Dassault wants “clear leadership” in SCAF
Referring to the Future Air Combat System (SCAF) project, blocked by differences between Airbus and Dassault Aviation, Eric Trappier once again called for “clear leadership”. The agreement between France, Germany and Spain foresees that the French industrialist will be the main industrial contractor of the combat aircraft (NGF, Next Generation Fighter), the main pillar of the SCAF program.
But Dassault and Airbus disagree on workload distribution, blocking the start of the so-called “1B” phase of the program. This provides for detailed studies with a view to launching the construction of a flight demonstrator in 2025 and leading to a combat aircraft that would enter service in 2040.
“We simply ask that this project management be respected, recognized not only for phase 1B but for reaching the flight, for one day going to deliver aircraft to the operational armies”, that is to say throughout the program, “said Eric Trappier “You can’t keep your pen in the air for years,” he added, expecting a “decision in the next few weeks or one or two months,” while specifying that it is “nothing like an ultimatum.”
Source: BFM TV
