France Accelerates Rafale F5 Upgrade After Collapse Of FCAS Next-Gen Fighter Project

France's DGA awarded Dassault Aviation, Thales, MBDA and Safran initial risk-reduction contracts for the Rafale F5 standard, ahead of a full development award expected by the end of 2026. The work covers navigation, datalinks, radar, electronic warfare and propulsion, including Thales's GaN-based RBE2-XG radar, a redesigned SPECTRA suite, the resilient IVDL datalink and preliminary design of Safran's higher-thrust M88 T-Rex engine. F5 is planned to enter French Air and Space Force and Navy service around 2033 and operate with collaborative combat drones. The programme has gained importance following the breakdown of the original Franco-German New Generation Fighter arrangement.