With the objective of reinforcing its combat capabilities, France would give a new boost to its fighter fleet with the acquisition of 60 new Dassault Rafale. As foreseen in the defense budget project for 2026, the Ministry of the Armed Forces plans to raise the total fleet to 286 aircraft, compared to the 225 currently operational, thus strengthening the resources of the Air and Space Force and the National Navy. The measure also seeks to compensate for recent losses, such as the crash of two Rafale fighters in August 2024— and maintain coherence with the objectives established in the Military Programming Law (LPM) 2024-2030.
Until now, French strategic planning contemplated a park of 225 Rafale fighters, distributed as 185 for the Air Force and 40 for the Navy, in accordance with the 2013 Defense and National Security White Paper and the 2019-2025 LPM. However, the increase in international missions and the evolution of air and maritime threats led to a reconsideration of this goal. The new budgetary proposal aims to sustain the operational capability of the force and accompany the progressive retirement of the Mirage 2000C and 2000D, aircraft that have served for decades in the French ranks.
The decision is framed in a context of full growth for Dassault Aviation, which in October 2025 celebrated the manufacture of the 300th Rafale, an achievement that symbolizes the maturity and dynamism of the program. With 533 confirmed orders from France, India, Indonesia, and Serbia, the company is going through a stage of accelerated production and global expansion. This progress reflects both the operational effectiveness of the Rafale and the development of a broad industrial network composed of more than 400 local companies, which reinforces France’s technological sovereignty and export capacity. Dassault foresees increasing its production rate to four aircraft per month to meet the assumed commitments.
In parallel, the company and its partners are working on the new version of the Rafale F5 fighter, which is projected as the future pillar of French air power for the next decade. This standard will introduce significant improvements in avionics, sensors, weapon systems, and integration with accompanying combat drones, in line with the requirements of the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) program. One of the main innovations will be the incorporation of the M88 T-REX engine, developed by Safran Aircraft Engines. Presented at the Paris Air Show 2025, the new propulsion unit will offer 20% more thrust, reaching 9 metric tons with afterburner, which will allow the Rafale F5 to operate with greater autonomy, efficiency, and payload.
The T-REX will accompany the integration of a new generation arsenal, including the ASN4G nuclear missile, successor to the ASMPA, a future conventional cruise missile that will replace the SCALP, and a hypersonic anti-ship missile derived from the AM-39 Exocet. Estimating its entry into service for the beginning of the next decade, the F5 version represents the natural evolution of an aircraft that has demonstrated its versatility in air superiority, tactical attack, and strategic deterrence missions.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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