PARIS- France plans to have at least 47 Rafale fighter jets in the new F5 configuration by 2035 as Paris accelerates the modernisation of its combat aviation and nuclear deterrence capabilities.
The target is included in the updated Military Programming Law covering 2024-2030, which sets the future structure of the French Air and Space Force.
The Rafale F5 will represent a major technological step beyond earlier Rafale standards.
France intends to combine the upgraded fighter with a new generation of weapons, improved sensors, electronic warfare capabilities and a stealth combat drone designed to operate alongside the aircraft in heavily defended airspace.
France Rafale F5 Upgrade
The updated legislation establishes a French combat aircraft fleet of 225 aircraft, with at least 47 Rafale jets expected to meet the F5 standard by 2035.
The figure forms part of a broader increase in France’s combat aviation capacity as the country prepares for increasingly contested operating environments.
The F5 standard is being developed as a substantial upgrade rather than a limited equipment refresh.
French authorities have identified a new radar, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, improved connectivity, new weapons and additional defensive systems as key elements of the programme.
The standard will also be prepared for the future ASN4G nuclear air-to-surface missile. France’s Directorate General of Armament (DGA) awarded MBDA development contracts for the weapon in June 2026, with entry into service planned around 2035 and the Rafale F5 designated as one of its launch platforms.
Rafale Combat Drone
The Rafale F5 programme extends beyond the fighter itself. France is developing a stealth combat drone with Dassault Aviation, Thales and Safran to support Rafale crews during missions in highly contested environments.
The unmanned aircraft is intended to perform roles including suppression of enemy air defences, air-to-surface operations and combat support.
French defence officials have also described resilient connectivity and artificial-intelligence integration as important elements of the drone’s design.
France plans an initial experiment involving Rafale companion drones around 2028, followed by an operational stealth combat-drone demonstrator around 2035.
The approach is intended to give French fighters additional sensors, weapons and operational flexibility without relying solely on crewed aircraft.
France Funds Rafale F5
The programme faces a significant financial challenge after France and the United Arab Emirates failed to reach an agreement on joint financing.
Abu Dhabi had reportedly been prepared to contribute up to €3.5 billion toward a programme estimated at about €5 billion, but discussions ended without an agreement over technology-sharing arrangements.
France will therefore bear the development costs itself, increasing the financial responsibility for the programme as it simultaneously expands its wider combat aviation fleet, Military Nyi flagged.
The Rafale F5 remains central to France’s plans for both conventional operations and airborne nuclear deterrence.
With the ASN4G scheduled for the same period, the new fighter will form an important part of the country’s next-generation strategic aviation capability.
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