The F5 upgrade includes a new engine, updated optronics, and a hypersonic missile for nuclear deterrence. This strategic pivot separates France from Berlin, while UK Prime Minister Burnham seeks to recruit Merz to join the British, Japanese, and Italian GCAP fighter program. Additionally, France will create two new drone squadrons, OWA and THA, in 2026 and launch the HypAIRion AI-driven collaborative combat initiative.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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France Launches Solo Fighter Programs After Franco German SCAF Split
Geopolitics9 days ago
The French military will expand its fleet to 230 "Super Rafale" F5 aircraft by 2035 using a €3 billion investment. Paris will introduce the F5 fighter in December and start building a national combat aircraft prototype in 2027, following the collapse of its joint aerospace project with Germany four months ago. The government also allocated €2.7 billion to launch a next-generation fighter demonstrator, which will transition into the Future Combat Aircraft (ACF) program with an operational version due in 2040 and development starting in 2029.
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