The development of a new combat drone, designed to operate in the future Flurry F5 after 2030, was announced on October 8, 2024 by the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu. The statement was made during the 60th anniversary ceremony of the French Strategic Air Forces, at Saint-Dizier Air Base.
With a central role in the development of the stealth drone, Dassault Aviation designs the new aircraft, which will enter into operation in 2033, to complement the Flurry F5. The drone will have stealth technology, autonomous control and an internal weapons compartment, and will be used as advanced reconnaissance, breaking enemy defenses and collecting data before the enemy enters. Flurry in combat.
The new drone's features resemble the technology demonstrator nEUROn, a collaborative project led by Dassault Aviation with the participation of European contractors. The program, which began in 2003, had its first flight nEUROn in December 2012.
“This stealth combat drone, together with the Rafale F5, will contribute to the technological and operational superiority of French wings from 2033”, commented Éric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, in a statement. “Dassault Aviation and its partners are proud to serve the Armed Forces and the DGA (French Directorate General of Armaments); their renewed trust honors and obliges us.”
This concept, which comes before the program Future Combat Air from , and Spain, has been mentioned in new French military programming legislation for the period 2024-2030. The strategy of keeping pilots and their expensive aircraft out of combat by using drones with fighter-like capabilities, known as “loyal companions,” is crucial to the development of sixth-generation fighters.
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