Dassault Rafale Upgrade with Conformal Fuel Tanks
The development of the UCAV and the introduction of CFTs on the Rafale are part of a broader effort to modernize the French fighter fleet, with Dassault Aviation's Neuron technology demonstrator serving as a precursor to the new UCAV, and the company's experience with the Rafale and other fighter jets expected to inform the development of the UCAV and the integration of CFTs on the Rafale.
The French Air Force has unveiled a Rafale fighter jet equipped with conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), a feature that is expected to enhance the range and payload capacity of the aircraft, as Dassault Aviation prepares to unveil its future unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) at the Paris air show in June 2025.
The CFTs, installed on top of the center section of the fuselage, offer several benefits, including increased range and payload capacity, as well as improved magazine depth. The Rafale's current configuration, which relies on drop tanks, restricts its ability to carry external stores and missiles. The CFTs would allow the Rafale to carry more missiles and other payloads, making it a more formidable air-to-air combat platform.
The reintroduction of CFTs on the Rafale is significant, as it could impact the export prospects for the jet. The CFTs were previously tested on the Rafale, but the idea was abandoned due to technical issues. However, with the development of new materials and technologies, the CFTs are now being revisited as a way to enhance the Rafale's capabilities. The UCAV project, which has been ongoing since October 2024, will be paired with the future F5 standard of Dassault's Rafale, followed by the introduction of a New Generation Fighter in 2040.
The French defense industry is focusing on upgrading the Rafale's capabilities, including the introduction of a new Standard F5 configuration, which will feature improved stealth capabilities and new-generation weapons. The Rafale is expected to remain in service until around 2060, and the introduction of CFTs could help to keep the jet relevant in the face of emerging threats, with the Dassault Rafale set to play a key role in the Future Combat Air System being jointly developed by France, Germany, and Spain.