France Unveils Development of Next-Generation Stealth Combat Drone to Support Rafale F5 Fighter Jets

France has announced the development of a new unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) to bolster the future capabilities of the French Air Force.

The stealth drone, set to complement the Rafale F5 fighter jets after 2030, was unveiled by Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu during a ceremony at the Saint-Dizier air base.

The new UCAV is designed to enhance France's aerial combat edge, integrating stealth technology, autonomous flight systems, and high payload capacity. It will play a crucial role in collaborative combat scenarios, working in tandem with the Rafale F5 jets, which are set to be the backbone of France’s air defense fleet for decades.

"This stealth combat drone will contribute to the technological and operational superiority of the French Air Force by 2033," said Éric Trappier, highlighting the importance of the program, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

The UCAV’s development will build on the success of the nEUROn program, Europe’s first stealth drone demonstrator. Having completed over 170 test flights since its maiden flight in 2012, the nEUROn has paved the way for future UAV technologies.

The nEUROn has a length of 9.2 meters, a wingspan of 12.5 meters, and a height of 4.5 meters, with a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 7 tons. It is powered by a Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour engine and operates at subsonic speeds, estimated around Mach 0.8 to 0.9. While its operational range is classified, the nEUROn is intended for long-endurance missions.

One of the key features of the nEUROn is its stealth capability, achieved through a flying-wing design that reduces its radar cross-section, making it harder to detect. The use of specialized materials and shapes helps lower its infrared signature. The UCAV also has an internal weapons bay to carry precision-guided munitions, which preserves its stealth characteristics by avoiding external pylons for armament. Additionally, it features advanced autonomous systems that allow it to take off, land, and navigate without human intervention, and it can engage in cooperative missions with manned aircraft using data links.

The nEUROn project was initiated in 2003, with six European countries—France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Greece, and Switzerland—contributing to its development. Flight testing began in 2012, focusing on validating the drone’s stealth, autonomous capabilities, and integration with military systems. The aircraft is not intended for production but serves as a research platform for advancing European UCAV technologies and laying the groundwork for future developments in stealth and autonomous combat aircraft.