Dassault Aviation, visionary designer and manufacturer of the famous Rafale combat aircraft, is embarking on the development of a revolutionary combat drone. This program is an integral part of its strategy to assert the technological and operational superiority of French wings. The new drone, which will draw its essence from the nEUROn project initiated in 2003, is in line with the F5 standard of the Rafale. Its mission will be to act complementarily to the aircraft, thereby offering increased capacity in the face of future challenges. Scheduled to enter service from 2033, it symbolizes the next milestone in the future air combat system.
a stealth drone for the future of air forces
The ambitious project of Dassault Aviation aims to integrate a combat drone into the F5 standard of the Rafale. This drone, designed to be stealthy, will be a key element of the French air strategy, allowing for increased technological superiority and operational capabilities of the forces. With advancements in stealth and connectivity, this drone promises to extend the capabilities of the Rafale, thereby enhancing the efficiency of national defense. The goal is to complement the operations carried out by the Rafale, providing multi-engagement capability and great flexibility on the ground.
the Neuron project: testing and development since 2003
Since 2003, the Neuron project by Dassault Aviation has explored different technologies to design stealth drones. Drawing on these years of research, the future combat drone benefits from a solid foundation for its development. This allows for the anticipation of a highly capable aircraft, able to interact in a network with the Rafale F5 and other aerial units. The collaboration of these two aircraft promises a significant advancement in electronic warfare and integrated artificial intelligence.
towards a strengthened national strategy
The introduction of this combat drone is part of a comprehensive vision for strengthening France’s aerial capabilities. As indicated by the article from Sud-Ouest, the Rafale F5, accompanied by this drone, will provide a comprehensive solution for complex air missions. The development of these cutting-edge technologies, supported by the military programming law 2024-2030, reaffirms France’s commitment to maintaining and strengthening its position on the international stage in defense matters. Dassault Aviation, a key player in this strategy, positions itself as the leader in developing modern and high-performance aerial solutions.
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