French Navy needs more Rafales, NFH90s
A French Rafale M, pictured during the 2021 Iniochos exercise in Greece. (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)
French Naval Aviation needs to reinforce its three Rafale M aircraft squadrons and its two NH90 NFH helicopter squadrons.
All the aircraft ordered for these five squadrons have been delivered but this has proved insufficient for different reasons.
The French fleet air arm ordered 48 Rafale Ms but some were lost before they even reached their units: two collided during test flights carried out by the French procurement agency DGA, while one crashed into the Indian Ocean and another landed in the Mediterranean.
Without providing any further details, the French Navy says its current Rafale M inventory stands at 41
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
First C-40A transport aircraft arrive for US Marine Corps
The second US Marine Corps C-40A aircraft is scheduled for delivery in early autumn 2023.
-
Over 3,000 Russian drones destroyed to date, claims Ukrainian MoD
The list of Moscow’s damaged and captured equipment released by Kyiv on 30 May includes operational and tactical UAVs.
-
Why the Philippines is still awaiting long-range patrol aircraft after a decade
It is believed that the Philippine Air Force has selected an Israeli solution for its maritime patrol aircraft programme.
-
Malaysia signs contracts for light combat aircraft and MALE UAVs
Malaysia announced several important aircraft contracts at LIMA 2023, including UAVs and light combat aircraft.
-
MQ-28 Ghost Bat ‘could fit the bill’ for UK's Loyal Wingman capability needs, says Boeing
The affordability of the MQ-28A Ghost Bat will play a crucial role in determining its suitability for the UK's defence needs. With studies under way to determine the affordability threshold, discussions also focus on the contribution this capability could make to the domestic industrial base.