France launches solo sixth-generation fighter jet program

France has launched a national program to develop its own sixth-generation fighter jet, provisionally named Avion de Combat du Futur (ACF). This decision follows the collapse of the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project, which involved Germany and Spain but failed due to disagreements over technical specifications and industrial control.

General Jérôme Bellanger, Chief of the French Air and Space Force, confirmed the program before the National Assembly's Defense Commission. The ACF is targeted to enter service for conventional missions by 2040. In the interim, France plans to modernize its existing fleet with the Dassault Rafale F5, also known as the ‘Super Rafale’, which is expected to enter service by 2033.

Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier stated that the domestic industrial ecosystem, including Safran and Thales, possesses the necessary technological expertise. While France remains open to non-structural international cooperation to ensure interoperability, the core development will be handled independently to secure national defense sovereignty. Estimates suggest the budget for the ACF could be kept below 50 billion euros.