France Launches Development of Its Own 6th-Generation Fighter and ‘Super Rafale’

After withdrawing from the joint Franco-German FCAS fighter program, France is launching its own project to develop a next-generation fighter and modernize its air force.

Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force Jérôme Bellanger made the statement, Les Echos reports.

France has definitively parted ways with Germany and is accelerating the development of its own aircraft, designated ACF (Avion de combat du futur).

The new fighter jet will replace the NGF (New Generation Fighter) concept and succeed the Rafale F4 aircraft.

Meanwhile, in December, France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs is expected to officially launch the development phase of the ‘Super Rafale’ fighter F5 version.

This version will feature new engines, artificial intelligence, electro-optical systems, and a hypersonic missile for nuclear deterrence.

The development phase for the ACF prototype is scheduled to begin in 2027, with creation of the production variant set to start in 2029.

To integrate combat AI, the French Air and Space Force is launching the HypAIRion project, which converts two Mirage 2000 aircraft into flying laboratories.

The project’s main goal is to conduct the first joint flight of a Rafale fighter in tandem with a guided wingman drone in 2028.

Expansion of the French Air and Space Force

France plans to expand its fighter jet fleet to at least 230 aircraft by 2035, up from the current 170.

The Air Force is also establishing two new squadrons at Cazaux Air Base, one specializing in reconnaissance and strike drones.

The second squadron will focus on high-altitude threats, including ballistic missiles and reconnaissance balloons.