Introduction of Rafale F5 and New Stealth Combat Drone
Sébastien Lecornu, the French Minister of the Armed Forces, recently unveiled plans for a profound enhancement of France’s aerial combat capabilities. This announcement, made during a commemorative ceremony for the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces at Saint-Dizier Air Base, highlighted the upcoming integration of a new combat drone designed to operate in conjunction with the advanced Rafale F5 fighter jet, expected to be deployed post-2030.
The introduction of this drone, anticipated to be operational by 2033, marks a significant technological evolution. Dassault Aviation, a pivotal player in this project, has indicated that the drone will feature cutting-edge stealth technology, autonomous control systems, and an internal weapons bay, enhancing its operational capabilities.
Leveraging the Achievements of the nEUROn Program
The design and functionality of the new drone draw heavily on the successful nEUROn program. Initiated in 2003, with its first flight in 2012, the nEUROn served as a technology demonstrator involving multiple European aerospace contractors led by Dassault Aviation. The program’s insights are crucial to developing the drone’s stealth capabilities and operational integration with manned aircraft like the Rafale F5.
Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, emphasized that the integration of this advanced drone alongside the Rafale F5 will significantly boost the technological and operational superiority of the French military forces from 2033 onwards. Their commitment to supporting the French Armed Forces and the General Directorate of Armaments (DGA) reflects their dedication to national defense objectives.
Rafale F5 Standard: A Technological Leap
The Rafale F5, set to enter service by 2030, represents a major upgrade over its predecessors. It is designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of the French Air and Space Force in both conventional missions and nuclear deterrence roles. This new standard will address the evolving global threats and will succeed the F4 standard, which already introduced significant improvements in connectivity and data processing capabilities.
According to General Stéphane Mille, former Chief of Staff of the French Air Force, the F5 standard will transform the Rafale with enhanced computing capacities, necessary to process vast amounts of information. This upgrade requires substantial modifications to the aircraft’s internal wiring and systems to support these advanced capabilities.
Integration of ASN4G: A New Dimension in Nuclear Deterrence
Another significant advancement in the Rafale F5’s arsenal is the integration of the ASN4G, a hypersonic nuclear-capable ramjet missile. Scheduled to become the air-launched component of France’s nuclear deterrent by 2035, the ASN4G represents a strategic enhancement in the nation’s defense capabilities.
This development underscores France’s commitment to maintaining a formidable and credible nuclear deterrent, reflecting a continuous evolution similar to the transition from the Mirage 2000N to the Rafale in 2018.