France has begun preparatory work for the Rafale F5 through several contracts awarded by its defence procurement authority, ahead of the planned production launch in late 2026. The new configuration represents a major technological evolution of the Rafale and is intended to extend the fighter’s relevance against future air and electronic threats. The F5 programme brings together Dassault Aviation, Thales, MBDA France and Safran Aircraft Engines. Among the planned additions are navigation technology that can function without GPS, a low-signature inter-aircraft data link, a new-generation radar, increased engine thrust and further improvements to the SPECTRA electronic warfare system. Another major feature will be the integration of MBDA France’s ASN4G hypersonic air-launched cruise missile. The missile is being developed as a nuclear-armed, scramjet-powered weapon. F5 qualification is currently expected around 2033, with the upgraded fighter planned for the French Air and Space Force before eventually being introduced into French Navy service. Major Technology ContractsDassault Aviation’s work includes a very-low-drift inertial navigation system based on resonant hemispherical gyroscopes. The technology is intended to provide precise navigation information without requiring external signals, improving the aircraft’s ability to operate when satellite navigation is unavailable or disrupted. Thales is responsible for a new Inter-Vehicle Data Link designed for secure, high-speed and low-detectability communications. The system is intended to resist electronic jamming and maintain connectivity during operations in highly contested environments. Thales is also developing the RBE2-XG radar, an advanced evolution of the existing RBE2 AESA. The new radar is planned to deliver more power, longer detection ranges and better performance against low-RCS targets. Additional computing capability will support AI-enabled functions and collaborative combat. Cyber resilience is also being incorporated to meet operational demands beyond 2035. The SPECTRA electronic warfare and self-protection architecture will receive further upgrades from MBDA France and Thales, particularly to strengthen its ability to jam sophisticated threats. Safran Aircraft Engines will conduct preliminary design work on the M88 T-REX engine upgrade. The proposed design increases thrust from 7.5 tonnes to 9 tonnes, representing a 20 percent increase, while retaining the existing M88-2 modular structure and low fuel consumption. France currently has no fifth-generation fighter in operational service and is separately participating in FCAS, a sixth-generation aircraft programme whose entry into service is not expected before 2040. The Rafale programme itself supports more than 7,000 direct and indirect jobs and involves more than 400 French companies.
