France launches development of new stealth combat drone to complement Rafale F5 fighter jet

Source: Dassault Aviation

The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has announced the launch of a new unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) project, which is set to complement the Rafale F5 fighter jet after 2030. The announcement was made by Sébastien Lecornu, Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, during a ceremony celebrating the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS) at the Saint-Dizier air base.

 

The event was attended by key figures in the French defence sector, including General Jérôme Bellanger, Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force, and Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, the company leading the development of the new UCAV.

The new stealth combat drone is expected to significantly boost the technological and operational capabilities of the French Air Force by 2033. Designed to work alongside the Rafale F5 fighter jet, the UCAV will feature advanced stealth technology, autonomous control systems (with human oversight), and versatile payload options. It aims to enhance collaborative combat operations and adapt to evolving threats in the future.

Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, highlighted the importance of the project in his speech: “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. Dassault Aviation and its partners are proud to serve the French Armed Forces and the French Defence Procurement Agency. Their renewed confidence honours and obliges us.”

 

300 x 250

 

The development of this new UCAV builds on the achievements of the nEUROn program, Europe’s first stealth UCAV demonstrator, which was launched in 2003. Managed by Dassault Aviation, the nEUROn project brought together the expertise of six European countries and completed its maiden flight in December 2012. To date, more than 170 test flights have been conducted, meeting all performance, schedule, and budget targets.

This new drone is designed to incorporate the lessons learned from the nEUROn program and will aim to ensure that France maintains its strategic independence and air superiority in the coming decades. The combination of the Rafale F5 and the new UCAV is expected to provide a powerful defence capability for the French Air Force, similar to the role played by the Mirage IV in its time.

 

Tags:

Related news & articles

Latest news

Featured