The “companion” of the Rafale fighter: France has begun the development of a new stealth combat drone

The unmanned vehicle, which is based on the successes of the nEUROn program, will be equipped with advanced stealth technologies, autonomous control systems, including human control .

On October 7, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced an ambitious project to develop a new combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UCAV), which will complement the future Rafale F5 manned fighter within the framework of the modernization of the French Air Force by 2033. The War Zone reviewers told about the new project.

The decision was announced at a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Force (FAS) held at Saint-Dizier Air Base, where key figures from the defense sector were present, including FAS Chief of Staff General Jerome Bellange and Eric Trappier, Director General Dassault Aviation — of the company leading the development of the new UAV.

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The strategic importance of the new drone

The new unmanned stealth aircraft will become an important element of the French air fleet, designed to complement the capabilities of the Rafale F5 fighter. In a combat configuration, the UAV will work in close integration with manned vehicles, offering enhanced combat capabilities in complex and rapidly changing environments.

The new stealth drone is expected to significantly increase the technological and operational capabilities of the French Air Force by 2033 . Designed to work together with the Rafale F5 fighter, the device will be equipped with advanced stealth technologies, autonomous control systems (with human control) and versatile payload options.

The project of the new UAV is based on the success of the nEUROn program, the European stealth drone , developed by Dassault Aviation in collaboration with partners. nEUROn made its first flight in 2012 and has since completed more than 170 test flights, demonstrating its ability to remain undetected by modern air defense systems. During one of the tests in 2016, the drone successfully penetrated the defenses of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, demonstrating its unique stealth capabilities. This experience will form the basis of the development of the new UCAV, which will play a key role in future joint operations.