Dassault Rafale

The proliferation of sensors in the battlefield will erode the value of stealth and put a premium on the ability to fly at low levels and high speed, the head of the French strategic air forces says.

France completes Rafale laser-guided rocket trials to expand counter-drone capabilities and expects operational readiness for the system this month.

Dassault says it has demonstrated the use of its Rafale fighter in cooperation with an uncrewed air vehicle in a mock attack on an adversary’s air defenses.

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France Orders Nuclear Cruise Missile, Eyeing 2035 Service Entry

France has announced the order for its next-generation nuclear cruise missile with MBDA, targeting service entry in 2035.

For more information about Aviation Week Intelligence Network’s (AWIN) 2026 Military Fleet & MRO Forecast and other Aviation Week data products, please see: https://pgs.aviationweek.com/forecast

Peru has selected the Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 fighter over two European rivals, triggering the resignations of two cabinet officials in protest.

The French Defense Ministry plans to introduce a counter-drone capability using laser-guided rockets on the Dassault Rafale by the summer.

France boosts defense spending to strengthen air defense, munitions, drones and space capabilities amid shifting global dynamics.

With Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. largely out of the way, India can leverage its buying power and talent to promote its aerospace industry.

Emirati defense group Edge has signed an MOU with Safran on the potential joint development and production of air-to-ground weapon systems.

After years of underinvestment, the tide is finally turning for the Hellenic Armed Forces, with the government pledging last year to inject €25 billion ($29 billion) into defense.

European missile-maker MBDA has secured a backlog of orders now valued at around €44 billion ($52 billion), joint venture partner BAE Systems disclosed Feb. 18.

India is targeting greater than 50% localization of components for future Dassault Rafale fighters made in-country, Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said.

An Indian decision-making council approved a ₹3.6 trillion ($39.7 billion) budget on Feb. 12.

France’s next aircraft carrier will rely on multiple uncrewed aircraft systems, making their combination central to operations.

Indra says it will introduce upgrades for MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile that should extend the data link range and increase resilience.

A key modernization priority for the Indonesian Air Force is the expansion of a mixed fighter fleet, which is expected to more than triple over the next decade.

The Indonesian Air Force has taken delivery of its first three Dassault Rafale B fighters, a key milestone in a long-running combat aircraft recapitalization.

Germany has signed up to acquire additional stocks of the Meteor beyond-visual range air-to-air missile, MBDA has declared.

The need to refresh and bolster air forces in Southeast Asia outpaces the urgency for action.

Dassault Aviation Falcon business jet deliveries in 2025 again missed a full-year target, while Rafale fighter shipments topped the company’s forecast.

The decade-long demand outlook for military aircraft has jumped 30% over the past year, reaching $250 billion.

Safran is pondering boosting missile motor production as demand grows for the missiles they power, such as Kongsberg's Naval Strike Missile.