France announced that full-scale development of its next-generation fighter is planned to begin in 2029...
This phase is expected to follow the completion of a second demonstration phase, which is scheduled to begin in 2027.
The first flight of the next-generation fighter’s initial prototype is expected to take place in either 2031 or 2032.
Work under the program will focus on low-observable technologies, crewed-uncrewed teaming, and a new fighter engine.
France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces plans to raise funding for the program to €2.74 billion in 2027.
The French-German FCAS next-generation fighter program collapsed in 2026 amid disagreements.
France intends to retain and build on technologies developed under the joint program while pursuing the development of critical technologies independently…