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France launches independent sixth-generation fighter and Super Rafale programs
Following the dissolution of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) partnership with Germany and Spain, France has launched an independent program to develop its own sixth-generation fighter, known as the ACF (Avion de Combat du Futur).
To bridge the gap until the ACF is operational, France is accelerating the development of the Rafale F5, or ‘Super Rafale’. This upgraded multirole fighter is expected to enter service between 2030 and 2033. Key enhancements for the F5 include new engines, advanced artificial intelligence, enhanced electro-optical systems, and a hypersonic missile to bolster France’s nuclear deterrent. The aircraft will also focus on collaborative combat, acting as a ‘mother ship’ to control stealthy combat drones.
The French Air and Space Force is currently utilizing two Mirage 2000 aircraft as flying laboratories under the HypAIRion project to test human-machine teaming. A key milestone is the goal to achieve a coordinated flight between a Rafale and a loyal wingman drone by 2028.
Regarding the long-term ACF project, demonstrator work is scheduled to begin in 2027, with mass production expected to start around 2029. Additionally, France aims to expand its combat aircraft fleet from approximately 170 to at least 230 aircraft by 2035.
Entities
ACF · Catherine Vautrin · Dassault Aviation · France · French Air and Space Force · French Ministry of the Armed Forces · Ministry of the Armed Forces · Rafale · Éric Trappier
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The French Air and Space Force aims to increase its combat aircraft fleet to at least 230 by 2035. galaxiamilitar.es · www.indiandefensenews.in · giaoducthoidai.vn
- [● 3 SOURCES] Development of the operational next-generation fighter is expected to begin in 2029. www.airdatanews.com · www.indiandefensenews.in · giaoducthoidai.vn
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Rafale F5, or 'Super Rafale', will feature new engines, advanced AI, enhanced electro-optical systems, and a hypersonic missile. galaxiamilitar.es · www.indiandefensenews.in · giaoducthoidai.vn
- [● 3 SOURCES] France intends to launch a second phase of demonstrator work for its next-generation fighter in 2027. www.airdatanews.com · www.indiandefensenews.in · giaoducthoidai.vn
- [● 2 SOURCES] A first flight of a next-generation fighter demonstrator could occur around 2031 or 2032. www.airdatanews.com · giaoducthoidai.vn
- [● 3 SOURCES] France aims to achieve a flight involving a Rafale fighter and a drone by 2028. galaxiamilitar.es · www.indiandefensenews.in · giaoducthoidai.vn