The Sud-Ouest Vautour (Vulture) was designed as a multi-role combat aircraft capable of performing in the tactical day fighter, all-weather interceptor, and attack aircraft, the first of which was a single engine design while the others were tandem two seaters. The Vautour featured a mid-wing configuration with swept wings and two Atar turbojets mounted on underwing nacelles. Other design characteristics included a solid nose for the fighter versions (the all-weather variant with radar) and the bomber version with a glazed nose and an internal bomb bay which could even carry a tactical nuclear weapon. Ultimately, the fighter version was exported to Israel whereas the interceptor and bombers went on to enjoy lengthy service with the Armee de l'Air where they were retired until 1973. Isreali versions saw combat during the Six Day war where while some were also used for electronic warfare with ECM receivers and jammers.

Three prototypes were built for the three main roles of the SO.4050 Vautour, the first of which was the all-weather fighter which had its maiden flight on 16 October 1952. Production units were eventually renamed Vautour II and included the Vautour IIN interceptor, the IIA tactical fighter, and the IIB bomber. Israeli exports were intially composed of all production IIAs and later complemented by a number of former French IINs with the radar removed and used for attack missions.