Dassault Rafale C bomb run

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The Dassault Rafale C is a French single-seat, twin-jet multirole fighter developed for the Air Force, with its first flight in May 1991. Stemming from a 1980s independent program, it achieved full operational capability by mid-2007, serving in combat roles in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, and Syria while utilizing advanced SPECTRA electronic warfare systems. 
Here is a detailed breakdown of the Rafale C history:
 
Development and Prototype Phase
Origins: Following France's withdrawal from the European Fighter Aircraft (EFA) project in 1985 due to differing requirements, Dassault continued developing the Rafale independently.
Prototypes: The "Rafale A" technology demonstrator first flew in 1986. The specific prototype for the single-seat Air Force variant, the Rafale C01, performed its first flight in May 1991.
Testing: Development was delayed by post-Cold War budget cuts, but testing continued throughout the early 1990s, with a focus on avionics and weapons integration. 
 
Introduction and Upgrades
Service Entry: Although the navy variant (Rafale M) entered service in 2004, the Armée de l'Air (Air Force) began receiving its first production Rafale C units for operational evaluation in 2004-2005.
Operational Capability: The Rafale achieved initial operating capability in 2007, fully integrating into French air power with the F2 standard, featuring advanced air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities.
F3/F3-R Upgrades: The Rafale C F3 standard (introduced around 2014) added enhanced radar, new sensors (DAMOCLES/TALIOS pods), and expanded weapon options like the AASM Hammer. The upgraded F3-R, featuring the MBDA Meteor missile, was accepted into service in 2018. 
 
Combat History and Operations
The Rafale C has a, robust, combat-proven record: 
Afghanistan (2007): First combat missions, providing close air support and reconnaissance.
Libya (2011): Key role in Operation Harmattan, performing deep strikes and suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD).
Mali (2013): Executed long-range strike missions from France in Operation Serval.
Iraq/Syria (2014-present): Ongoing operations under Operation Chammal against ISIS.
Syria (2018): Participated in Operation Hamilton, conducting long-range precision strikes with SCALP EG cruise missiles. 
 
Design and Capabilities
"Omnirole": The aircraft is designed to perform air superiority, interception, ground support, deep strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence in a single sortie.
Technical Features: Features delta wings with close-coupled canards for maneuverability and the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite. 
 
The Rafale C continues to serve as the primary land-based fighter for the French Air and Space Force, with ongoing modernization planned for the future.