• France ordered upstream development for the Rafale F5, covering radar, datalinks, electronic warfare and propulsion, entering service 2033.
  • The upgrade includes a GaN-based RBE2-XG radar, enhanced SPECTRA electronic warfare, and an uprated M88 T-Rex engine with 20% more thrust.
  • F5 takes on greater strategic importance after the Franco-German NGF fighter program collapsed over irreconcilable requirements.