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France Broadens CCA Ambitions With 2028 Rafale Trial
France is expanding its collaborative combat aircraft ambitions, targeting a first trial of a loyal wingman drone operating with the Rafale fighter by 2028. Aviation Week reports that the French effort goes beyond previously announced scope, reflecting accelerated national ambition in the uncrewed combat air domain. The program is intended to develop an autonomous unmanned aircraft capable of operating in coordination with the Rafale, with the 2028 trial representing the next major technical milestone for the French CCA effort.