Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)
Dassault to offer F5 upgrade to current Rafale F3R and future F4 operators like India
Dassault Aviation has initiated the development of F5 standard upgrade for its Rafale fighter jet and these upgrades will incorporate the latest systems that will enable the Rafale to effectively interact with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Loyal Wingman and Stealth Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles.
The integration of these capabilities is set to begin in 2030 and will provide backward compatibility allowing current users of the Rafale including India to seamlessly control and execute combat operations alongside Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs).
It is worth noting here that India already developing its own Loyal Wingman the CATS Warrior, our own Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles like Archer SR-UAV, Archer-NG, and the upcoming HALE class UAV while we are also working on stealth unmanned combat air vehicles like Ghatak. With the F5 upgrade, India may be able to operate all these unmanned aerial vehicles in conjunction with Dassault Rafale which will be a big capability jump for the overall power of the Indian Air Force in the future. Dassault to offer F5 upgrade to current Rafale F3R and future F4 operators like India Dassault to offer F5 upgrade to current Rafale F3R and future F4 operators like India IgMp
