Dassault Rafale F5 + nEUROn: a combat revolution and a technological challenge

France is working on the integration of the stealth drone nEUROn Loyal Wingman with his hunt Dassault Rafale, a project that seeks to enhance the multi-mission capabilities of its air force. 

The French Senate has asked to accelerate the development of the drone, while Dassault Aviation prepares to start serial production. This advance, together with the new variant Rafale F5 and an expanded fleet, positions France to face threats like those of Russia, reinforcing its commitment to state-of-the-art military technology. 

In addition to the Loyal Wingman, France is strengthening its defenses with the new Rafale variant, the standard F5. Designed to integrate the ASN4G nuclear missile, this model demonstrates the country's commitment to maintaining its strategic deterrence capacity against powers like Russia. The F5 version takes this aircraft to a new level. Equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) systems, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities and increased integration with unmanned platforms, the Rafale F5 is designed to operate in highly contested and threat-saturated combat environments.

The conjonction of nEUROn with the Rafale will be able to carry out missions such as hypersonic attacks, ISR, electronic warfare and search and rescue and it is expected to contribute to France's technological superiority by 2033. Furthermore it can take on tasks that previously required multiple aircraft, such as intelligence gathering, surveillance, bomb damage assessment, and electronic warfare,demonstrating the country's ambition to lead in unmanned combat technologies.  All this makes it a true force multiplier.

It is also worth to mention Talios pod as an essential component for maximizing the Rafale's capabilities in reconnaissance and precision strike missions. Its advanced technology, now with the AI features added, combined with the Rafale's versatility and performance, makes it an indispensable tool for modern air forces. With the Talios, the Rafale not only maintains its relevance on the contemporary battlefield, but also positions itself as a leading platform in the era of connected, data-driven air warfare.

With the decision of the French Senate to start serial production of the nEUROn In 2024, France is not only innovating in the field of military aviation, but it is also consolidating its position as a modern nuclear power capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

J.H. Thomas, military aviation researcher