French Air and Space Force to Receive Twenty-One New Aircraft in 2025 Including Rafales Fighters and A400M
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The French defense budget 2025, presented on October 10, 2024, aligns with the Military Programming Law (LPM) adopted in 2023, ensuring a structured enhancement of the Air and Space Force’s fleet. In 2025, the force will receive twenty-one new aircraft, significantly advancing France’s military aviation and transport capabilities. This fleet expansion includes fourteen Dassault Rafale F4 fighter jets and an additional A400M aircraft, bolstering the operational flexibility of the French Air Force. This new fleet helps offset recent losses and exports to Greece and Croatia while introducing the F4.1 standard to gradually replace the older F3-R models still in service.
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The Rafale F4 integrates the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile and Talios targeting pod for enhanced ground precision strikes (Picture source: Dassault Aviation)
The Rafale F4, a pivotal upgrade, consolidates its role as a versatile fighter, designed to meet modern threats with a range of mission capabilities: air superiority, precision strikes, maritime attacks, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Equipped with advanced systems, including the RBE2 AESA radar for improved target detection and interception, and the Scorpion helmet display that provides real-time tactical information, the Rafale F4 also integrates the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile and Talios targeting pod for enhanced ground precision strikes.
Defensively, it features the SPECTRA suite for electronic protection and the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS) for flight safety. With a payload capacity of 9.5 tons across 14 hardpoints and a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, the Rafale F4 can adapt to extended missions and diverse operational requirements.
Compared to the F3-R, the F4 version enhances collaborative capabilities and connectivity for real-time data sharing and platform coordination. The upgraded Talios pod now includes onboard mapping for continuous situational awareness in all weather conditions. The Scorpion helmet display places tactical data directly within the pilot’s view, facilitating rapid decision-making. Currently, France operates 102 Rafale B and C models, with 27 more at the F4 standard anticipated by 2025. These aircraft are based across various airfields, including Saint-Dizier and Mont-de-Marsan, with deployments abroad as well.
In strategic transport, the Air and Space Force will also add an A400M Atlas and an A330 MRTT Phénix, enhancing power projection and air refueling capacities. The A330 MRTT, converted from a commercial Airbus A330-200, will be assigned to the 2/31 Esterel Air Refueling and Strategic Transport Squadron based in Istres, carrying a new gray livery for military operations. It joins two A330 MRTTs currently in service, extending France’s reach in support of conflict areas.
With a range of up to 8,900 km and versatile landing capabilities, the A400M is an asset for rapid response in crisis and conflict zones, providing tactical flexibility and medical evacuation capabilities. (Picture source: Airbus)
The A400M Atlas is a transport aircraft that can conduct both strategic and tactical missions and air refueling. Its robust load capacity allows it to transport up to 37 tons of equipment, including armored vehicles and heavy helicopters, and operate from unprepared airstrips. With a range of up to 8,900 km and versatile landing capabilities, the A400M is an asset for rapid response in crisis and conflict zones, providing tactical flexibility and medical evacuation capabilities.
The Airbus A330 Phénix MRTT Enhanced, developed for the French Air and Space Force, is gradually replacing the C-135 and A310/A340 aircraft by 2028. Able to refuel two fighter jets simultaneously or an E-3F surveillance aircraft, it holds 110 tons of fuel across its wings. Primarily dedicated to nuclear deterrence support, the Phénix also serves in strategic transport roles, carrying passengers and cargo over long distances or deploying fighter support teams with equipment. Its medical transport options include the Morphée configuration for severely wounded patients and the CM30 for lighter casualties.
The Air Force will also receive five new H225M helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, intended for critical missions, including assault and personnel extraction in hostile environments. The 1/67 Pyrénées Helicopter Squadron and the 68 Antilles-Guyane Transport Squadron will benefit from these deliveries, expanding rapid deployment options both domestically and overseas.
The 11-tonne H225M helicopter supports special operations, combat search and rescue, tactical transport, and medical evacuation, reaching speeds of up to 324 km/h and a range of 1,253 km with additional fuel tanks. Equipped with advanced survival features, including radar warning, missile alert systems, and flare dispensers, it also offers customizable armament options through Airbus’ HForce system.
The Patroller by Safran is a long-endurance tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance, and targeting missions (Picture source: Safran)
The French Army, meanwhile, will receive four Safran Patroller drones to replace the aging Sagem Sperwer models from the 1990s. Operated by the 61st Artillery Regiment rather than Army Aviation (ALAT), these drones enhance intelligence and support capabilities to meet modern conflict demands.
The Patroller by Safran is a long-endurance tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance, and targeting missions. Suitable for external operations, internal security, and maritime patrols, it boasts an endurance of 15 hours, a payload capacity of 210 kg, and can operate up to an altitude of 4,500 meters, with a range of 180 km in line of sight and up to 1,000 km via SATCOM. Equipped with the high-resolution gyrostabilized Euroflir 410, it can integrate COMINT sensors and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) to detect moving objects, thereby supporting electronic warfare missions and ground troop support. For maritime patrol, the Patroller is also fitted with a multi-mode radar and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) for wide-area vessel detection and classification.
In addition to these new acquisitions, the modernization program for the Air and Space Force continues in 2025, with twelve Mirage 2000D fighters receiving in-depth upgrades to extend their service life and operational efficiency. Additionally, two C-130H Hercules, including one C-130H-30, will be refurbished to strengthen the transport fleet. The French Navy will benefit from upgrades to the last two Dassault-Breguet ATL-2 Atlantique aircraft, enhancing their underwater detection and maritime surveillance capabilities, essential given current maritime tensions.
The Army’s ALAT will receive seven renovated Eurocopter Tigre HAP attack helicopters with updated weapon systems and navigation equipment to address evolving operational challenges.
For 2025, the French defense budget totals €50.54 billion, an increase of €3.3 billion over 2024, consistent with the LPM framework adopted in 2023. This funding sustains France’s commitments, including those to NATO, with defense spending at 2% of GDP. Nuclear deterrence remains stable at 14%, while funding for external and domestic missions decreases slightly from 2% to 1%.
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The French defense budget 2025, presented on October 10, 2024, aligns with the Military Programming Law (LPM) adopted in 2023, ensuring a structured enhancement of the Air and Space Force’s fleet. In 2025, the force will receive twenty-one new aircraft, significantly advancing France’s military aviation and transport capabilities. This fleet expansion includes fourteen Dassault Rafale F4 fighter jets and an additional A400M aircraft, bolstering the operational flexibility of the French Air Force. This new fleet helps offset recent losses and exports to Greece and Croatia while introducing the F4.1 standard to gradually replace the older F3-R models still in service.
The Rafale F4 integrates the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile and Talios targeting pod for enhanced ground precision strikes (Picture source: Dassault Aviation)
The Rafale F4, a pivotal upgrade, consolidates its role as a versatile fighter, designed to meet modern threats with a range of mission capabilities: air superiority, precision strikes, maritime attacks, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Equipped with advanced systems, including the RBE2 AESA radar for improved target detection and interception, and the Scorpion helmet display that provides real-time tactical information, the Rafale F4 also integrates the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile and Talios targeting pod for enhanced ground precision strikes.
Defensively, it features the SPECTRA suite for electronic protection and the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS) for flight safety. With a payload capacity of 9.5 tons across 14 hardpoints and a maximum speed of Mach 1.8, the Rafale F4 can adapt to extended missions and diverse operational requirements.
Compared to the F3-R, the F4 version enhances collaborative capabilities and connectivity for real-time data sharing and platform coordination. The upgraded Talios pod now includes onboard mapping for continuous situational awareness in all weather conditions. The Scorpion helmet display places tactical data directly within the pilot’s view, facilitating rapid decision-making. Currently, France operates 102 Rafale B and C models, with 27 more at the F4 standard anticipated by 2025. These aircraft are based across various airfields, including Saint-Dizier and Mont-de-Marsan, with deployments abroad as well.
In strategic transport, the Air and Space Force will also add an A400M Atlas and an A330 MRTT Phénix, enhancing power projection and air refueling capacities. The A330 MRTT, converted from a commercial Airbus A330-200, will be assigned to the 2/31 Esterel Air Refueling and Strategic Transport Squadron based in Istres, carrying a new gray livery for military operations. It joins two A330 MRTTs currently in service, extending France’s reach in support of conflict areas.
With a range of up to 8,900 km and versatile landing capabilities, the A400M is an asset for rapid response in crisis and conflict zones, providing tactical flexibility and medical evacuation capabilities. (Picture source: Airbus)
The A400M Atlas is a transport aircraft that can conduct both strategic and tactical missions and air refueling. Its robust load capacity allows it to transport up to 37 tons of equipment, including armored vehicles and heavy helicopters, and operate from unprepared airstrips. With a range of up to 8,900 km and versatile landing capabilities, the A400M is an asset for rapid response in crisis and conflict zones, providing tactical flexibility and medical evacuation capabilities.
The Airbus A330 Phénix MRTT Enhanced, developed for the French Air and Space Force, is gradually replacing the C-135 and A310/A340 aircraft by 2028. Able to refuel two fighter jets simultaneously or an E-3F surveillance aircraft, it holds 110 tons of fuel across its wings. Primarily dedicated to nuclear deterrence support, the Phénix also serves in strategic transport roles, carrying passengers and cargo over long distances or deploying fighter support teams with equipment. Its medical transport options include the Morphée configuration for severely wounded patients and the CM30 for lighter casualties.
The Air Force will also receive five new H225M helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, intended for critical missions, including assault and personnel extraction in hostile environments. The 1/67 Pyrénées Helicopter Squadron and the 68 Antilles-Guyane Transport Squadron will benefit from these deliveries, expanding rapid deployment options both domestically and overseas.
The 11-tonne H225M helicopter supports special operations, combat search and rescue, tactical transport, and medical evacuation, reaching speeds of up to 324 km/h and a range of 1,253 km with additional fuel tanks. Equipped with advanced survival features, including radar warning, missile alert systems, and flare dispensers, it also offers customizable armament options through Airbus’ HForce system.
The Patroller by Safran is a long-endurance tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance, and targeting missions (Picture source: Safran)
The French Army, meanwhile, will receive four Safran Patroller drones to replace the aging Sagem Sperwer models from the 1990s. Operated by the 61st Artillery Regiment rather than Army Aviation (ALAT), these drones enhance intelligence and support capabilities to meet modern conflict demands.
The Patroller by Safran is a long-endurance tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance, and targeting missions. Suitable for external operations, internal security, and maritime patrols, it boasts an endurance of 15 hours, a payload capacity of 210 kg, and can operate up to an altitude of 4,500 meters, with a range of 180 km in line of sight and up to 1,000 km via SATCOM. Equipped with the high-resolution gyrostabilized Euroflir 410, it can integrate COMINT sensors and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) to detect moving objects, thereby supporting electronic warfare missions and ground troop support. For maritime patrol, the Patroller is also fitted with a multi-mode radar and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) for wide-area vessel detection and classification.
In addition to these new acquisitions, the modernization program for the Air and Space Force continues in 2025, with twelve Mirage 2000D fighters receiving in-depth upgrades to extend their service life and operational efficiency. Additionally, two C-130H Hercules, including one C-130H-30, will be refurbished to strengthen the transport fleet. The French Navy will benefit from upgrades to the last two Dassault-Breguet ATL-2 Atlantique aircraft, enhancing their underwater detection and maritime surveillance capabilities, essential given current maritime tensions.
The Army’s ALAT will receive seven renovated Eurocopter Tigre HAP attack helicopters with updated weapon systems and navigation equipment to address evolving operational challenges.
For 2025, the French defense budget totals €50.54 billion, an increase of €3.3 billion over 2024, consistent with the LPM framework adopted in 2023. This funding sustains France’s commitments, including those to NATO, with defense spending at 2% of GDP. Nuclear deterrence remains stable at 14%, while funding for external and domestic missions decreases slightly from 2% to 1%.
