France Kick-Starts Rafale F5 Fighter Work

France formally began work leading to the Rafale F5 standard, opening development of the fighter's next major capability increment. The program is expected to improve sensors, connectivity, electronic warfare and access to future weapons while linking the aircraft more closely with an uncrewed combat-aircraft demonstrator. F5 is also associated with France's long-term airborne nuclear mission and operations in highly contested airspace. The kickoff starts engineering and risk reduction; final configuration, procurement quantities and fielding dates remain subject to later decisions toward the 2030s by France's defense authorities.