France Advances Rafale F5 and Combat UCAV Development to Strengthen Future Air Power

France is moving forward with a significant leap in its air combat capabilities, as the country's Armed Forces plan the development of a new unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) to complement the upcoming Rafale F5 fighter jet. The announcement was made by Sébastien Lecornu, French Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, during a ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS). The event, held at Saint-Dizier air base, also saw the presence of General Jérôme Bellanger, Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (AAE), and Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation.

The UCAV, envisioned to be operational by 2033, will mark a technological milestone for the French Air Force. This new combat drone, which is designed to work collaboratively with the Rafale F5, will enhance France's strategic autonomy and combat effectiveness in future conflicts. Equipped with advanced stealth features, the UCAV will possess cutting-edge autonomous capabilities, with the flexibility to have a human operator in the decision-making loop.

This development isn't just a bold leap into the future; it builds upon the success of Dassault Aviation's earlier nEUROn program, a European initiative that produced the first stealth UCAV demonstrator. Since its inaugural flight in December 2012, the nEUROn has undergone over 170 test flights, proving its mettle in terms of both performance and technological innovation. The lessons learned from the nEUROn will directly inform the development of this new UCAV, ensuring that it remains highly versatile and adaptable to evolving threats.

The Rafale F5, set to debut post-2030, is expected to push the boundaries of modern air combat. The F5 variant will enhance the existing Rafale design with new technologies, including upgraded sensors, improved avionics, and the ability to engage in network-centric warfare. Combined with the UCAV, the Rafale F5 will offer unprecedented flexibility and effectiveness on the battlefield, ensuring that France maintains its technological and operational edge.

The pairing of the Rafale F5 with the UCAV is a critical component of France's strategy to ensure its air superiority for decades to come. Much like the Mirage-IV bomber in its prime, this new fighter-drone duo will secure France's ability to conduct independent military operations, while also offering a potent response to modern threats. These advancements will be crucial in an era where rapid technological changes are reshaping the nature of warfare.

Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, emphasized the importance of this new UCAV at the event, stating, “This stealth combat drone will contribute to the technological and operational superiority of the French Air Force by 2033. It is significant that it is being initiated today, as we mark the 60th anniversary of the Strategic Air Forces and the 90th anniversary of the Air and Space Force: in aeronautics — a highly complex field — the future has deep roots, and innovation is built on experience."

Designed to be a fully networked asset, the UCAV will excel in collaborative combat scenarios, where it can communicate seamlessly with manned aircraft like the Rafale F5. This synergy will allow the UCAV to take on more dangerous tasks, such as penetrating enemy defenses or performing surveillance missions, while the Rafale F5 provides support from a safer distance. It will also carry internal payloads, further boosting its versatility.

The French Ministry of Armed Forces is betting on this combination of manned and unmanned systems to enhance the nation's future air combat capabilities. Both the Rafale F5 and its accompanying UCAV will be central to France's air defense strategy, ensuring that the country can face future challenges with technological superiority and operational flexibility.

As the world gears up for an era where drones and manned jets fight side by side, France is making it clear that it intends to stay at the forefront of military aviation innovation. By combining experience from the nEUROn program with the advanced capabilities of the Rafale F5, France is setting the stage for a future where its air forces will continue to dominate the skies well into the 21st century.