Dassault Aviation, which is building a sixth-generation fighter program to replace its current Rafale fighter jet, has informed current operators that the fleet will continue to get service and replacement parts until 2070.
Service Support till 2070
Dassault Aviation has made this pledge to its existing customers despite beginning construction of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) for the European conglomerate involved in the program in 2035. The French Air Force will replace the French Dassault Rafale with the FCAS program, which is expected to enter production between 2035 and 2040.
The F4 standard’s development was launched in December 2018. The DGA began conducting flight tests for the F4 upgrade in April 2021, with full F4 standard approval expected in 2024 and some functionalities available in an initial standard by 2022. All French Rafales currently in service are expected to be upgraded to the Rafale F4.2 standard by 2030.
The Rafale F5 Standard, which is slated to enter service after 2030, will include new cruise and anti-ship missiles from the Franco-British FMAN and FMC programs, as well as possibly a new anti-radar munition. To expand its detection and engagement capabilities, the F5 version will need to be able to penetrate heavily protected anti-aircraft situations and handle combat drones, such as the Remote Carrier from the SCAF program. These drones will be specifically designed to carry detectors and effectors such as radar, electro-optical systems, listening systems, electronic warfare systems, missiles, bombs, jamming systems, and so on.
The Rafale F5 Standard, which is scheduled to be delivered in 2030, is expected to remain in production until roughly 2040 when it will be replaced by the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The F5 will be available for export to current Rafale operators during this time until production ceases.
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