France awards early Rafale F5 contracts for ASN4G nuclear missile, new radar, stealth data link and 20% increase in engine thrust

France awarded initial Rafale F5 study and development contracts to Dassault Aviation, MBDA, Safran and Thales ahead of a planned full development launch in late 2026. The work covers integration of the future ASN4G nuclear missile, a higher-power RBE2-XG AESA radar, a jam-resistant low-probability-of-intercept data link and a digitized SPECTRA electronic-warfare suite. Safran is also designing the M88 T-REX engine, intended to raise thrust from 7.5 to 9 tonnes. Qualification is targeted around 2033, first for the French Air and Space Force and subsequently for the Navy.