Dassault Aviation experienced a significant drop in orders during the first half of the year, booking 2.88 billion euros ($3.28 billion). This marks a steep decline from approximately 8.08 billion euros in the same period last year and fell short of analysts' forecasts.

The slump was primarily due to a lack of new orders for its Rafale fighter jet. However, the company's Falcon business jets continued to perform well, with 23 aircraft ordered. Despite the absence of Rafale bookings in the first half, the company has a substantial backlog of 208 Rafale and 83 Falcon aircraft, valued at 45.36 billion euros.

Dassault aims to deliver 40 Falcon and 28 Rafale jets this year, having already delivered 13 Falcon and 12 Rafale planes in the first half. The demand for fighter jets remains, evidenced by a recent agreement where Ukraine is set to acquire 16 Rafale jets.