The Rafale F5 will be equipped with RBE-2XG radar, collaborative UCAV and quantum link to counter Russian and Chinese stealth fighters by 2030.

The Rafale F5, the latest planned version of Dassault Aviation‘s multi-role fighter, crystallizes France’s ambitions for air superiority in the 2030s. Scheduled to enter service at the turn of the decade, this advanced standard of the Rafale will introduce disruptive technologies in a strategic context marked by the rise of Chinese and Russian combat aviation. Facing the Chinese J-20 and J-35, and the Russian Su-57 and Su-75, the Rafale F5 must maintain credible air superiority for both the French military and export customers.

The F5 program is based on three pillars: a new RBE-2XG long-range detection radar with anti-stealth capabilities, the integration of a collaborative stealth UCAV capable of autonomous missions, and major advances in secure data links, potentially based on quantum communications. The objective is clear: to ensure interoperability with future European combat systems and penetrate environments saturated with electronic warfare.

In this context, the promise of the Rafale F5 goes beyond incremental evolution. It represents a technological leap forward designed to maintain the Rafale’s operational relevance against adversaries that already have fifth-generation stealth fighters and increasingly integrated air defense systems. The following analysis details the technical elements, industrial choices, and strategic challenges of this upgrade.

A radar designed to counter stealth aircraft

The RBE-2XG: a critical evolution for long-range detection

The Rafale F5 will be equipped with the RBE-2XG radar, an evolution of the RBE-2 AESA currently in service. This new sensor is based on a GaN (gallium nitride) architecture, which replaces the GaAs (gallium arsenide) used in previous versions. This transition will increase transmission power, improve radar resolution, and significantly enhance long-range detection capabilities, including against targets with stealth characteristics.

The stated goal is to be able to detect a stealth fighter jet at a distance of more than 200 kilometers, depending on the target’s radar signature. This capability would be used in particular to identify a Chinese J-20 or a Russian Su-57 operating at a distance. These aircraft are based on geometries that reduce their frontal radar signature, but the RBE-2XG will combine multiple frequencies, adaptive tracking modes, and advanced signal processing to penetrate this type of electromagnetic camouflage.

An architecture designed for modern electronic warfare

In addition to its detection functions, the RBE-2XG will enable advanced onboard electronic warfare capabilities. The Rafale F5 should be able to locate, jam, and saturate hostile emissions, complementing its SPECTRA system, which has also been updated. This integrated approach aims to make the aircraft resilient against Russian S-400 or S-500 systems and future Chinese low-frequency radars, which are more sensitive to stealth platforms.

The convergence of detection, jamming, and long-range firing capabilities would enable the Rafale F5 to strike without entering the enemy’s defense bubble. This factor is critical in Indo-Pacific scenarios, where air deterrence relies on the ability to identify an enemy aircraft before being detected.

Human-machine cooperation with a stealth combat drone

A complementary UCAV: the “neuron F5” project

The Rafale F5 will integrate a collaborative combat system with a stealth drone, developed from the technologies of the nEUROn demonstrator, which has been tested since 2012. This UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle) could operate in a network with the manned fighter, in a configuration known as “manned-unmanned teaming”.

The aim is to delegate penetration, jamming or attack missions to these discreet drones, piloted or coordinated by the Rafale. This concept, already used by the Americans with the Loyal Wingman program and by the Russians with the S-70 Okhotnik, makes it possible to diversify attack angles and increase firepower without exposing the pilot.

The future companion drone for the Rafale F5 is expected to have a reduced radar signature, a secure real-time link, and a limited autonomous decision-making system. It will probably be a 7- to 9-meter wingspan vehicle weighing between 3 and 6 tons, with a range of 1,000 to 1,500 km and capable of carrying two air-to-air or air-to-ground missiles.

A capability breakthrough against J-20 squadrons

China is already experimenting with mixed squadrons of J-20 fighters accompanied by GJ-11 drones. The Rafale F5 aims to offer an equivalent operational response by adapting its avionics and tactical architecture to manage several unmanned vehicles from a single airframe.

This evolution implies a transformation of the pilot’s role, who will now be responsible for coordinating a mini-tactical group, integrating their own fighter, companion drones, and potentially other allied aircraft. This tactical change requires smooth human-machine interfaces, a reduced cognitive load, and a revised doctrine of use.

Combat connectivity designed for future contested environments

Towards quantum and inviolable communications

The Rafale F5 could integrate an experimental quantum link capable of transmitting data without risk of interception or jamming. Although this technology is not yet operational on a large scale, several French laboratories are working on it in conjunction with the Directorate General of Armament.

This link would be designed for critical communications, such as networked fire synchronization, shared target designation, or remote control of companion UCAVs. This capability would constitute a barrier against Chinese electronic warfare systems, which seek to saturate or jam conventional signals via microwave pulses.

Full integration into the European combat cloud

The Rafale F5 will be part of the SCAF (Future Air Combat System) architecture, alongside the 6th generation aircraft developed by Dassault, Airbus, and Indra. The F5 will therefore need to be interoperable with a variety of platforms on a shared tactical data network, enabling joint situation analysis, dynamic target distribution, and cooperative firing capabilities.

This will require a complete rewrite of the mission software, the integration of artificial intelligence for threat analysis, and the adaptation of on-board priority management. All this in an environment marked by constant cyber threats, including against on-board computers and data links.

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