Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
France intends to continue work on a next-generation combat aircraft without Germany and Spain, following the collapse of the three-country Future Combat Air System partnership. The government is targeting a new demonstrator development phase in 2027, though funding and industrial arrangements remain unresolved.
Dassault Aviation
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France intends to continue work on a next-generation combat aircraft without Germany and Spain, following the collapse of the three-country Future Combat Air System partnership. The government is targeting a new demonstrator development phase in 2027, though funding and industrial arrangements remain unresolved.
France is leasing a Falcon 8X to provide coverage while its government fleet undergoes maintenance. The available report does not specify the lease duration, cost or which aircraft are being maintained.
An AircraftForSale feature highlights a 2003 Dassault Falcon 2000 as a transatlantic-capable business jet. The aircraft is described as having a freshly retrofitted Collins Pro Line 21 panel and low total airframe hours.
Dassault Aviation has flown its second Falcon 10X prototype three times since the aircraft’s unannounced maiden sortie on Sept. 24, adding another jet to the ultra-long-range business aircraft’s test campaign. The flights mark the latest step in development, though the available reports provide no further details on test objectives or timing.
Dassault Aviation has signed a cooperation agreement with AED Cluster Portugal as it seeks to position the Rafale in Portugal’s competition to replace 24 F-16AM/BM fighters. The pact is intended to explore industrial partnerships as Saab and Embraer deepen their defense relationship in the market.
High activity
Canada’s first F-35A, identified as AR-1, has completed a roughly 90-minute maiden flight from Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth plant. The milestone comes as Ottawa remains obligated to purchase 16 aircraft but has yet to commit to the full planned fleet of 88 fighters.
High activity
Dassault Aviation has signed a memorandum of understanding with AED Cluster Portugal to explore cooperation opportunities tied to the Portuguese Air Force’s future fighter renewal. The agreement strengthens Dassault’s industrial positioning as Portugal considers options to replace its F-16 fleet with Rafale aircraft.
France has ordered early development work for five Rafale F5 systems, including the RBE2-XG radar, SPECTRA F5 electronic-warfare suite and M88 T-REX engine. The activity establishes the core technology package ahead of the next-generation Rafale standard’s launch.
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