France Plans to Receive 47 Rafale F5 Fighters by 2035

The French Air and Space Force plans to receive 47 Rafale fighter jets in the latest F5 configuration by 2035.

This is set out in the updated French Military Programming Law (LPM) for 2024-2030.

The aircraft are primarily intended for France’s Strategic Air Forces (FAS), which carry out nuclear deterrence missions.

The Rafale F5 will be a significantly more comprehensive upgrade of the fighter than previous standards. The aircraft will receive new weapons control systems, an improved radar, electronic warfare systems, a new onboard defensive suite, new weapons, including MICA NG missiles, and improved data-link capabilities.

The Rafale F5 is also expected to be capable of carrying the future ASN4G hypersonic nuclear missile.

In addition to the aircraft itself, France is developing a combat drone designed to operate alongside the Rafale F5. The first development contracts have already been signed with Dassault Aviation, Thales and Safran.

The drone is intended to operate in complex environments, including suppressing enemy air defenses, and is to be used alongside Rafale F5 fighters.

However, despite France’s plans, the program to develop the new version of the aircraft is facing financial difficulties.

In April, it was reported that France would fully finance the development of the Rafale F5 after negotiations with the United Arab Emirates on joint financing of the program ended without an agreement.

The negotiations ended in December 2025. Paris proposed that Abu Dhabi join the program in exchange for investment, but without the participation of local companies in the development or the possibility of obtaining technology.

The UAE was expected to contribute up to €3.5 billion to the program, whose total cost is estimated at approximately €5 billion.

Following the UAE’s refusal, all financial commitments related to the program will be borne by the French Ministry of Defense, which could potentially affect the pace of its implementation.