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Rafale F5

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France awards first Rafale F5 contracts

France awarded Dassault Aviation, MBDA, Safran and Thales the first industrial contracts supporting the Rafale F5 standard, with values undisclosed. Initial work covers the inertial unit, M88 T-REX engine, RBE2-XG radar, self-protection suite and resilient inter-vehicle data link ahead of full development. F5 is planned to integrate the ASN4G nuclear missile, additional conventional weapons, artificial intelligence and collaborative operations with a stealth combat drone. Qualification is expected around 2033, while current planning calls for 47 operational F5 aircraft for France’s Strategic Air Forces by 2035.

JanesSep 14

EuropeAir

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.

Defence Industry EuropeSep 13

EuropeAir

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.

aviationweek.comSep 9

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Rafale F5

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