The French Air and Space Force took delivery of its first Rafale F4.1

Last Thursday, March 2, the French Air and Space Force took delivery of its first Rafale F4.1 fighter (the latest standard), at the Military Air Experience Center, at Air Base 118 in Mont-de-Marsan.

The first aircraft received is a standard F3R two-seater that was sent to the Directorate General of Armament (DGA) Flight Test Center in Istres for software transformation.

???? Le premier Rafale au standard F4.1 a été livré jeudi 2 mars, au Centre d’expertise aérienne militaire, sur la BA 118 de Mont-de-Marsan. Un véritable saut technologique, qui accompagnera les pilotes aux conflits de haute intensité de demain. ????@CeamAwc pic.twitter.com/pJxB40ryPn

— Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (@Armee_de_lair) March 4, 2023

Lieutenant Colonel Guillaume, second in command of the Fighter and Experimentation Squadron (CEPE) explained: «other completely new aircraft will come directly from Dassault’s production lines, and will complete the fleet of fighters gradually sent to Istres for its transition from the F3R to the F4.1 standard».

See also: Serbia negotiating the purchase of a dozen Rafale fighters with Dassault

The improvements of the new F4.1 standard

The Rafale F4.1 receives several software upgrades to acquire new capabilities, such as the SCORPION integrated helmet targeting system, the new 1,000 kg AASM 1000 heavy guided bombs, TALIOS targeting pods and will integrate the MICA NG air-to-air missiles.

It will also incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) elements and a new predictive failure system, which should facilitate maintenance and reduce operating costs.

In terms of electronics, the SPECTRA self-defense system will be improved, and the AESA RBE-2 radar will acquire the GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indication) mode to detect moving ground targets.

Network-centric warfare

Perhaps one of the most relevant aspects of the new F4.1 standard is that it receives a far superior capability for collaborative combat, through the incorporation of an enhanced data link and CONTACT encrypted digital radio, coupled with the Syracuse IV satellite communication system.

The technology developed for the Rafale F4.1 is considered the «first generation of connectivity». The second generation will be implemented on future Rafale F5s, and its evolution, on the sixth generation FCAS/SCAF air combat systems, which France is developing with Germany and Spain.