France launches Rafale F5 program

In a significant milestone for French military aviation, Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu announced during the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Strategic Air Force (FAS) at Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier that the first orders for the Rafale F5 fighter jet have been officially placed. The announcement marks the formal launch of a transformative upgrade to France’s frontline combat aircraft, with deliveries expected by 2030.

The Rafale F5 standard represents a major leap in operational capability for the French Air and Space Force, building on the advancements introduced with the current F4 version. While the F4 brought significant improvements in connectivity and data processing, the F5 model will take the Rafale into a new era as a second-generation connected fighter. Designed to tackle the increasingly complex and contested airspaces of the future, the F5 will offer enhanced integration with both airborne and ground-based systems.

One of the most anticipated innovations of the Rafale F5 is its operational pairing with a stealth combat drone, inspired by the Dassault-led nEUROn project. This unmanned wingman, piloted directly from the Rafale cockpit, will be tasked with reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and the penetration of hostile air defences—opening the path for manned operations in high-threat environments.

Equipped with upgraded radar systems and sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities, the Rafale F5 is also set to reinforce France’s nuclear deterrence posture through its role in FAS missions. It underscores France’s commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy and ensuring technological superiority in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.

These developments are part of a broader vision to maintain the French armed forces at the cutting edge of military innovation. The Rafale F5 will play a central role in future operational theatres, enabling French forces to maintain air dominance and mission effectiveness in the face of advanced enemy defences.

With its launch, the Rafale F5 program reaffirms France’s position as a leader in next-generation air combat and strengthens its commitment to long-term defence preparedness.