France seeks new partners for future aircraft

France is exploring new partnerships, potentially with Sweden or India, to develop its Future Combat Aircraft, following Germany's exit from the project. This shift comes after Germany withdrew from the sixth-generation fighter-bomber initiative, which had been a joint effort with France and Spain.

France may pursue national development

The Annual Performance Plan for the "Forces Equipment" program did not rule out the possibility of France developing the Future Air Combat System (SCAF) independently or through new international collaborations. The plan includes starting work on a demonstrator aircraft as early as 2027.

Minister confirms national development

Catherine Vautrin, the Minister of the Armed Forces, confirmed during a parliamentary hearing that France has decided to proceed with the development of the Future Combat Aircraft (ACF) nationally. The goal is to ensure the aircraft is operational by the early 2040s and to reuse existing work without wasting resources.

ACF will replace the abandoned project

The ACF is intended to avoid the fate of a similar project from 1975, which was abandoned and aimed to produce a "Super Mirage" aircraft. The new project will use technology from the Rafale's F5 standard, including propulsion and missile systems, to ensure it meets current and future military needs.

France may still consider international cooperation

General Jérôme Bellanger, the Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Forces, stated that while France is focusing on national development of the ACF, cooperation with other countries is still possible, though not central to the project's core development.

ACF must support nuclear deterrence

The ACF must be operational by 2040 to carry out conventional missions and will be capable of carrying the nuclear-capable missile ASN4G starting in 2050. This timeline is crucial for maintaining France’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.

SCAF components continue despite aircraft shift

While the focus on the aircraft has shifted, work on other elements of the SCAF project, such as drones, connectivity, and combat systems, will continue. General Bellanger emphasized the importance of interoperability to ensure France's military efforts are coordinated rather than isolated.