France conducts first F4-1 Rafale test campaign
F4-1 Rafale test flight. (Photo: Ministère des Armées)
The French Directorate General of Armament carried out the first F4-1 Rafale test campaign.
From 26 to 29 April, the Directorate General of Armament (DGA) conducted the first F4-1 Rafale test campaign.
The F4 standard will include helmet viewfinder capacity, the Mica NG and the 1000kg AASM bomb.
The campaign consisted of eight complex missions representing 50 aircraft sorties and was carried out by crews from the DGA, French Navy, French Air Force and Dassault Aviation.
They allowed two Rafale to be inserted into the current development state of the F4-1 standard in a large-scale aerial system, with up to eight aircraft in combat zones for tactical phases and in-flight refuelling slots.
The Rafale F4-1 was tested in a realistic technical-operational framework. The crews, equipped with SCORPION helmet sights, were able to implement the new collaborative combat features.
The aptitude-for-use (RAU) campaign mobilised numerous air assets of the Ministry of the Armed Forces: eight Rafale including two Rafale Marine, two Mirage 2000 and two Alphajet.
Other contributions include; the daily provision of the Mediterranean training area by the Navy and important means of DGA Flight Tests including, specific air control testing, listening rooms and trajectography systems.
Contributors from Dassault Aviation, Thales and MBDA were present to monitor the completion of flight tests in real-time.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth]()
The 2020s: a decade of UAV spending growth
Total annual drone spending has increased nearly sixfold since the start of the decade, from $2.9 billion in 2020 to $16.3 billion in 2028, with Europe leading the rise.
-
![USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule]()
USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule
The US Air Force is seeking additional contractors to support communications upgrades for the B-52, while multiple Stratofortress modernisation programmes continue to experience delays, cost growth and technical challenges.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne]()
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
