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Air Data News • Ricardo Meier

After FCAS collapse, Europe pivots to new sixth-gen fighter alliances and industrial models

The FCAS “New Generation Fighter” collapse ends nearly a decade of work on a shared European sixth-generation combat air system. The breakdown is now forcing a fresh debate over capability requirements, industrial workshare, and what alliance architecture replaces FCAS—amid already widening national substitutes and procurement discussions.

2026-06-11T00:14:13.236263-07:00

AeroTime

France successfully conducts first supersonic Rafale firing test of MBDA MICA NG

2026-06-05T04:42:33.076030-07:00

Inflight Online

ExecuJet expands Falcon 7X heavy maintenance capability in Sydney ahead of Oct 2026 C-checks

2026-06-03T02:43:27.805888-07:00

AeroTime

Taiwan signs new five-year Dassault support contract to sustain Mirage 2000-5 fleet

2026-06-03T03:42:12.744272-07:00

News Timeline

Air Data News

After FCAS collapse, Europe pivots to new sixth-gen fighter alliances and industrial models The FCAS “New Generation Fighter” collapse ends nearly a decade of work on a shared European sixth-generation combat air system. The breakdown is now forcing a fresh debate over capability requirements, industrial workshare, and what alliance architecture replaces FCAS—amid already widening national substitutes and procurement discussions.

2026-06-11T00:14:13.236263-07:00

After FCAS collapse, Europe pivots to new sixth-gen fighter alliances and industrial models

AeroTime

France successfully conducts first supersonic Rafale firing test of MBDA MICA NG France’s defense procurement agency (DGA) and MBDA have completed a successful first test of the MICA NG air-to-air missile fired from a Dassault Rafale while the jet flew at supersonic speed. The trial validated the missile’s infrared seeker performance under the high thermal loads of supersonic flight, clearing a key hurdle toward qualification and operational service.

2026-06-05T04:42:33.076030-07:00

France successfully conducts first supersonic Rafale firing test of MBDA MICA NG

AeroTime

Taiwan signs new five-year Dassault support contract to sustain Mirage 2000-5 fleet Taiwan has signed a new five-year support agreement with Dassault to keep its Mirage 2000-5 fleet available and operationally safe. The deal reinforces long-term sustainment for the aging multirole type, focused on maintaining readiness rather than replacing capacity with newer fighters.

2026-06-03T03:42:12.744272-07:00

Taiwan signs new five-year Dassault support contract to sustain Mirage 2000-5 fleet

Inflight Online

ExecuJet expands Falcon 7X heavy maintenance capability in Sydney ahead of Oct 2026 C-checks ExecuJet MRO Services Australasia is investing in its Sydney Airport facility to expand Dassault Falcon maintenance capability, adding specialist tooling, training, and technical resources. The work is designed to prepare the site to support upcoming Falcon 7X heavy maintenance, including C-checks starting October 2026.

2026-06-03T02:43:27.805888-07:00

ExecuJet expands Falcon 7X heavy maintenance capability in Sydney ahead of Oct 2026 C-checks

FlightGlobal

Indonesia inducts Rafale fighters, A400M MRTT airlifter and Falcon 8X in Jakarta On May 18, Indonesia’s Air Force (TNI-AU) formally accepted and inducted a new batch of aircraft at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, including six Dassault Rafale (four two-seat and two single-seat) plus an Airbus A400M MRTT and four Falcon 8X jets. The handover also showcased integration-ready combat capability with Meteor and AASM Hammer weapons.

2026-05-18T22:24:06.519735-07:00

Indonesia inducts Rafale fighters, A400M MRTT airlifter and Falcon 8X in Jakarta

Space.com

ESA Space Rider advances qualification and testing toward first flight readiness as Dassault VORTEX pursues runway-return reusab ESA’s Space Rider is progressing through key test and qualification milestones designed to move the reusable spacecraft concept closer to flight readiness. In parallel, Dassault is developing the VORTEX runway-return spaceplane concept for LEO capability, with the effort positioned as an emerging European reusability path pending funding and demonstrations.

2026-05-06T12:57:24.365123-07:00

ESA Space Rider advances qualification and testing toward first flight readiness as Dassault VORTEX pursues runway-return reusab

DefenseNews.com

Egypt signs for 24 Dassault Rafale fighters—the Rafale’s first international export milestone Egypt’s agreement to purchase 24 Dassault Rafale fighters marks the jet’s first international sale, underscoring how the French platform has struggled to build export demand outside France. The deal expands Rafale’s footprint even as Dassault continues to position the program for new customers.

2026-04-28T15:34:31.654299-07:00

Egypt signs for 24 Dassault Rafale fighters—the Rafale’s first international export milestone

DefenseNews.com

India–France Rafale deal stalls: no agreement signed for 36 jets despite French defense minister visit India and France did not sign any agreement for the Indian Air Force’s proposed purchase of 36 Rafale fighters during French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian’s visit. The lack of a signed deal underscores ongoing contracting, timing, and stakeholder alignment challenges around the next Rafale export step.

2026-04-28T14:20:27.555666-07:00

India–France Rafale deal stalls: no agreement signed for 36 jets despite French defense minister visit

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Dassault Aviation News

After FCAS collapse, Europe pivots to new sixth-gen fighter alliances and industrial models

France successfully conducts first supersonic Rafale firing test of MBDA MICA NG

ExecuJet expands Falcon 7X heavy maintenance capability in Sydney ahead of Oct 2026 C-checks

Taiwan signs new five-year Dassault support contract to sustain Mirage 2000-5 fleet

News Timeline