Overview
- An official DGA statement says there is no plan to exceed a fleet size of 225 Rafales for the French Air and Space Force and Navy.
- Reports a day earlier cited draft finance-bill language indicating a potential order of more than 60 additional jets, a claim now disputed by the government.
- The 2026 defense budget will be debated in Parliament, leaving any change to fleet numbers undecided for now.
- Modernization funding continues with Rafale F4 upgrades in service, F5 development targeting entry around 2030, and ongoing work on a UCAV loyal wingman.
- Near‑term items include ordering two aircraft to replace a 2024 crash loss plus simulator and airworthiness work, with reporting also pointing to production continuity and jobs across Dassault, Safran, Thales, and MBDA.