[REVISION HISTORY]

Dassault Rafale F5 development and procurement

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2026-10-23 18:27 UTC → 2026-10-25 07:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Dassault Aviation is developing the Rafale F5, a next-generation fighter designed to bridge the gap to sixth-generation combat aircraft. Following the discontinuation of the European SCAF program, France is pursuing this project to ensure military sovereignty. In August 2026, Dassault Aviation announced the Rafale F5 development, with an expected service entry between 2033 and 2035. The jet will feature advanced sensor fusion, new radar—such as the Thales RBE2-XG—and enhanced electronic warfare systems. A key component is the integration of AI-supported ‘loyal wingman’ drones and a passive optical and infrared sensor system nicknamed ‘Silent Killer’ to detect low-observable aircraft. The platform will also support France’s nuclear deterrent via the ASN4G hypersonic missile. In September 2026, the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) issued orders to Dassault, Thales, Safran, and MBDA to develop critical technologies. While initial estimates placed the program at 3 billion euros, total costs have been cited at approximately 5 billion euros. ~~Although~~ In October 2026, negotiations ~~with~~ between France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ~~regarding technology access and industrial involvement initially failed, leading France~~ to ~~bear~~ revive joint development of the ~~full financial burden,~~ F5 standard gained renewed momentum. Following a meeting between President Emmanuel Macron and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the two nations ~~have since signed~~ agreed on a ~~new intergovernmental agreement to revive joint development~~ common strategy for the fifth-generation jet. This follows previous disagreements regarding technology access and cost-sharing. Industrial cooperation has expanded through the establishment of EDGE Europe in Paris and a memorandum of understanding between the ~~F5 standard.~~ UAE’s EDGE Group and Safran Electronics & Defense to co-develop next-generation precision weapons. The French government has allocated approximately three billion euros toward this project in its 2027 budget. Parallel to the F5, France has launched the ‘Avion de combat du futur’ (ACF) program, targeted for service by 2040. ~~France intends to acquire 47 F5 jets by 2035 as part of a goal to reach a fleet of at least 230 aircraft.~~

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