Dassault Aviation on Wednesday reported lower order intake in 2023, and lower-than-expected deliveries due to supply chain delays that will also weigh on 2024.

Order intake last year amounted to 8.35 billion euros, compared with 20.95 billion euros the previous year.

Only 13 Rafales and 26 Falcon jets were delivered in 2023, compared with forecasts of 15 and 35, "due to supply chain problems and the delayed entry into service of the Falcon 6X", says the group in a press release.

"The supply chain difficulties that began with the Covid crisis are having a severe impact on subcontractors in the aeronautical industry, who are not always able to deliver with the required quality and on time", adds Dassault Aviation.

"The failures of certain suppliers, as well as shortages of capacity, mainly in aerostructure, have resulted in production start-up delays for the Group", continues the group, indicating that these risks will continue to weigh on its business in 2024.

On the Paris Bourse, Dassault Aviation shares were down 0.77% in early trading.

(Written by Nathan Vifflin, edited by Blandine Hénault)