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control systems for all Dassault aircraft have
been produced since 1963. These new aircraft
will be delivered between 2027-2030.
“We will resume deliveries to France from 2022
onwards, not only for the 28, we're talking about
the 42, the 22 aircraft from '22 onwards, but [ AIR SYSTEMS ]
the 12 additional ones that were ordered at
the beginning of this year. So, that means 40
Rafales to be delivered from 2022 onwards.
Until we have the fifth batch in France, which future (SCAF) says the DGA. The Rafale F4 will see the addition
will be delivered from 2027 onwards with orders of helmet-mounted display capabilities, integration of Mica NG
planned in 2023. But we've already begun some Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) and the 1,000-kg AASM Air-to-Ground
work to prepare the arrival of this fifth batch, Modular Weapon. There will also be significant upgrades to the
and the work will be pursued in 2021,” said Rafale’s Spectra Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, upgraded frontal
Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman and sector optronics (OSF), integration of the Thales TArgeting Long-
CEO. 102 Rafale B and C (single-seaters and range Identification Optronic System (TALIOS) and upgraded RBE2
two-seaters) are operational with the French AESA radar. It will also accommodate future evolutions of ASMP-A,
Air and Space Force, with 27 additional Rafale SCALP, AASM 1000 kg weapons. Dassault has also stated that
F4s slated to be added by 2025.France’s mili- the F4 will include a new Prognosis and Diagnostic Aid System
tary expenditure plan (LPM) also provides for introducing predictive maintenance capabilities. Other maintenance
2.7 billion euro in investments for development optimization features are scheduled with solutions based on Big
of new Rafale versions between 2019-2025. Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to be integrated and fitment of
a new Engine Control Unit (ECU).
Setting the Standard
The Future Rafale F4 Standard is expected In June, the French Directorate General for Armament (DGA)
to deliver a dramatic increase in the fighter’s announced that it had carried out the first Rafale test campaign
combat capability with greater equipment, at F4-1 standard in Istres in the month of April. According to the
increased autonomy and enhanced arma- DGA, its test crews performed eight complex missions represent-
ment along with higher levels of connectivity ing 50 aircraft sorties with participation from the French Navy and
allowing it to undertake collaborative combat the French Air and Space, Army and Dassault Aviation. Two Rafale
missions. French Rafale F4s will enter service aircraft integrated with an F4-1 development standard took part in
in two stages in 2023 and 2025 and provide large-force exercises involving up to eight aircraft in the combat
a technological leap, industrial leap and stra- zone. ‘The Rafale F4.1 was thus able to be tested, in a realistic tech-
tegic leap over existing Rafale configurations: nical-operational framework: the crews, equipped with SCORPION
F1 (specific to first French Navy aircraft), F2 helmet sights, were able to implement the new collaborative combat
(air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities), F3 functionalities, in particular the precise localization of other aircraft
and F3R (extended versatility). Development by passive means within a patrol,’ a DGA release stated. The
of the Rafale F4 was launched within a month readiness for use review campaign (RAU) featured eight Rafales
of the qualification of the F3-R and is based including 2 Rafale Marine, 2 Mirage 2000 and 2 Alphajet. ‘The next
on four pillars: connectivity, commitment, Rafale F4-1 RAU campaign will also target the assessment of the
availability, and the detection and fight against capabilities of this new standard in the field of Air-Surface missions.
threats. Parly had announced the notification It will once again be organized by the DGA Flight Tests teams with
of the contract with Dassault Aviation for devel- the assistance of the Forces from the 125 “Charles Monnier” air
opment and integration of the new Rafale F4 base in Istres,’ the DGA said in a release.
during her January 2019 visit to the Dassault
Aviation site in Mérignac.

Dassault had received authorization to start of
development of the new F4 standard in 2017
with the aim of bringing Rafale into the era of
collaborative air combat. The main upgrade
in the F4 variant will be its improvements in
connectivity and associated network working
methods, allowing the Rafale to better collabo-
rate with national and allied forces. The Rafale
F4 will constitute a first step for collaborative
multi-platform connected combat and there-
fore towards the air combat system of the

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