French Rafale F5 Fighter Jets to be Armed With Latest Stratus RS Missiles

French Rafale F5 fighter jets will be equipped with the latest Stratus RS missiles, which are capable of evading air defense missiles on their own.

Opexnews reports that these plans have been confirmed and incorporated into the updated French Armed Forces armament program for 2024–2030.

The Rafale F5s compatible with the Stratus RS are not expected to enter service before 2030.

Full operational readiness of the missile itself is projected only for 2035.

The Stratus RS (formerly known as the RJ10) is one of two next-generation missiles being developed by the MBDA consortium in collaboration with France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

It is designed to engage surface targets and strategic targets deep behind enemy lines.

The Stratus RS is a supersonic, highly maneuverable missile capable of penetrating modern air defense systems.

Missile from MBDA

In early September 2025, MBDA presented all of its major developments at the DSEI exhibition in London.

Along with other products, mock-ups of two future FC/ASW missiles were displayed. During the exhibition, it was announced that these munitions have now been named ‘Stratus.’

The Stratus RS project involves the creation of a supersonic air- or ship-launched missile.

A ramjet engine is being developed for the missile, which is expected to accelerate it to speeds of approximately Mach 3.5.

At the same time, the missile will be capable of maneuvering on its own to evade enemy air defense missiles targeting it.