France Rafale F5 Upgrade: France is now moving ahead with the next major version of its Rafale fighter jet. The Directorate General of Armament (DGA) has already given several preparatory contracts to Dassault Aviation, Thales, Safran and MBDA ahead of the formal launch of the Rafale F5 programme. The full development phase is planned for the end of 2026. The new standard is expected to be qualified around 2033.
The F5 won’t just be a small upgrade. France sees it as a major mid-life overhaul that will prepare the Rafale for more difficult missions in the 2030s. It will focus heavily on sensors, electronic warfare, connectivity, propulsion and new weapons. The aircraft will also be designed around collaborative combat, where fighter jets and drones can work together and share information during a mission.
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Rafale F5 Gets New Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems
One of the most important changes will be the aircraft’s sensors. The Rafale F5 is being developed with the more powerful RBE2 XG radar. Work on new algorithms for this radar has already been carried out as part of French research programmes. The new radar is expected to give the aircraft stronger detection and tracking capability while also providing more computing power for modern combat tasks.
The electronic warfare system will also see a major redesign. The Rafale’s SPECTRA suite is being upgraded to deal with newer and more advanced threats. Better electronic support and protection will be especially important when the aircraft operates against modern air-defence networks.
Connectivity is another major part of the F5 plan. The fighter is being prepared for more advanced collaborative combat, allowing aircraft and other systems to exchange information more quickly in a heavily contested electronic environment. France is also developing a new combat drone to operate alongside the F5. The drone will use stealth features and autonomous functions while keeping a human in the loop.
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A More Powerful Engine and New Weapons
Safran is developing the M88 T-REX engine for future Rafale standards. The engine is designed to produce 9 tonnes of thrust with afterburner. Safran says this is around 20% more thrust than the current M88. The extra power can help support heavier sensors, electronics and weapons.
The F5 is also linked with France’s future long-range weapons plans. These include the ASN4G nuclear missile programme, while work is also continuing on a future air-to-air missile that will eventually succeed the Meteor.
Why Rafale F5 is Important for India?
The timing is important for India because the country is moving ahead with its Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) plan. In February 2026, India’s Defence Acquisition Council gave Acceptance of Necessity for the Rafale-based MRFA procurement. The government said the majority of the aircraft would be manufactured in India.
