France has launched the development of an unmanned combat aerial vehicle to serve as a loyal wingman for the future Rafale F5, expected post-2030.
The stealth drone is being designed for collaborative combat and will complement the crewed Dassault aircraft, featuring autonomous control systems (man-in-the-loop) and adaptable payload configurations.
It will be operated from the cockpit of the Rafale and will build on lessons learned from Dassault Aviation’s European nEUROn drone demonstrator program.
Designed to Evolve
The drone “will be highly versatile and designed to evolve in line with future threats,” according to Dassault.
Its development was announced during a ceremony on Tuesday marking the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces.
“This stealth combat drone will contribute to the technological and operational superiority of the French Air Force by 2033,” Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier said.
“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.”
Rafale F5
Initial studies for the Rafale F5 began last year, with full-scale development expected to start in 2026-27.
The fighter jet is projected to remain relevant into the 2060s, incorporating features such as crewed-uncrewed teaming with drones and next-generation weapons, including successors to the SCALP cruise missile and the Exocet anti-ship missile.
In addition to new-generation kinetic capabilities, the Rafale F5 is expected to include conformal fuel tanks and radar cross-section reduction kits to enhance survivability in missions such as the suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses.