Dassault Rafale

The French air force will trial a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) with a Dassault Rafale in 2028 as the service prepares to embrace autonomy and AI.

Dassault Aviation has flight tested AI algorithms on its Rafale fighter jet, as the company explores the technology for future upgrades of the combat aircraft.

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

The French government is kicking off industry efforts to develop the Dassault Aviation Rafale F5 fighter configuration due to enter service in the next decade.

India has put in motion plans to expand and overhaul its naval aviation capabilities, although budgetary, and sometimes technical, issues have complicated these efforts over the years.

Balancing its military and business aviation activities and organizing its production sites by specialties helps the airframer weather crises.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

Dassault prepares Rafale F5 development featuring AI, UCAV integration and advanced systems despite pending French approval.

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.

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

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.