France has officially launched the development of a cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) that will complement the future Rafale F5 fighter jet after 2030. French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Sébastien Lecornu, made the announcement during a ceremony at the Saint-Dizier air base, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS). The event was also attended by General Jérôme Bellanger, Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (AAE), and Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
“This stealth combat drone will contribute to the technological and operational superiority of the French Air Force by 2033,” stated Éric Trappier. “It is significant that it is being initiated today, as we mark the 60th anniversary of the Strategic Air Forces and the 90th anniversary of the Air and Space Force. In aeronautics — a highly complex field — the future has deep roots, and innovation is built on experience. Dassault Aviation and its partners are proud to serve the French Armed Forces and the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA). Their renewed confidence honours and obliges us.”
Pushing Boundaries with Stealth Technology
The new UCAV is designed for collaborative combat and will integrate stealth technologies, autonomous control with a man-in-the-loop system, and internal payload capacity, enabling adaptability to future threats. This technological marvel will support the French Air Force’s missions, contributing to its superiority for decades to come.
Building upon the achievements of the nEUROn programme, Europe’s first stealth UCAV demonstrator, this project reflects the progression of France’s military aviation capabilities. Initiated in 2003, the nEUROn programme successfully demonstrated advanced UCAV technologies, leading to its maiden flight in December 2012 and over 170 test flights since then, achieving all performance, timeline, and budgetary goals.
With a firm foundation in aeronautical expertise and technological advancements, France’s new combat drone represents the future of aerial warfare and will continue the legacy of excellence established by platforms like the Mirage IV.
