PARIS — France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has received the Rafale B374, the 73rd and final aircraft of the Rafale’s fourth production tranche. Delivered by Dassault Aviation in the F4.1 standard, the two-seat fighter will be converted into a dedicated flying test bed for the future Rafale F5 standard.
The DGA announced the delivery on 2 November 2026. The aircraft has been assigned to the DGA Essais en vol flight test centre and will eventually replace Rafale B348, which has been on long-term loan from the French Air and Space Force.
The fourth production tranche was awarded in 2021 to an industrial team comprising Dassault Aviation, Thales, Safran and MBDA.
Rafale B374 to Support F5 Development
The Rafale B374 will operate as an Avion Banc d’Essais (ABE), or flying test bed. These aircraft function as flying laboratories, equipped with specialised measurement systems, data recorders and communication links to ground-based test teams.
The platform will allow engineers to evaluate future sensors, weapons, navigation systems, communications and onboard software under real flight conditions.
Initially, the aircraft will receive a reversible test and measurement installation (IEM). This will allow it to support ongoing development of current Rafale standards while remaining available for other testing activities.
Around the second quarter of 2027, Dassault Aviation will carry out a major modification. The work will add interfaces for a complete and permanent flight instrumentation suite, supporting further F4 development and preparing the aircraft for F5 trials.
F5 Testing to Begin with New Radar and Software
The Rafale B374 is expected to return to the DGA flight test fleet in 2028 with an “orange” Modular Information Processing System (EMTI). This specialised software version of the onboard computer is designed for testing environments.
The configuration will support trials of future F5 sensors, particularly the Thales RBE2 XG AESA radar, which is currently under development.
The RBE2 XG is designed to provide greater detection range and improved performance against low-observable targets while retaining the physical dimensions of the current RBE2 radar.
Rafale F5 to Introduce Advanced Capabilities
The Rafale F5 standard, expected to enter service in the 2030s, will introduce major upgrades to France’s combat aircraft.
Planned capabilities include:
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Advanced artificial intelligence integration
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Enhanced collaborative tactical data links
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Control of stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) operating as “loyal wingmen”
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Compatibility with the future ASN4G hypersonic nuclear cruise missile
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Next-generation sensors, including the RBE2 XG radar
The arrival of Rafale B374 strengthens France’s flight-testing infrastructure and provides the DGA with a dedicated platform to evaluate technologies planned for the Rafale F5 and future French combat aviation.
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