India May Become First Buyer of Nuclear-Capable Rafale F5 Fighter Jet: France Confirms Major Defence Breakthrough

France has confirmed that India is in advanced discussions to purchase the next-generation Rafale F5 Standard Fighter Jet, a nuclear-capable combat aircraft expected to be ready by 2030. India is already negotiating the acquisition of 90 Rafale F4 jets, with an option to add 24 Rafale F5 aircraft—potentially making India the first country in the world to operate the most advanced Rafale variant.

This announcement comes at a time when reports revealed that China and Pakistan jointly ran a disinformation campaign during Operation Sindoor to undermine the Rafale’s capabilities and promote China’s J-10C aircraft. France’s official confirmation has effectively countered this propaganda.

What Makes the Rafale F5 a Game-Changer?

According to Dassault Aviation, the Rafale’s F5 version will include:

• More powerful engines
• Enhanced survivability systems for modern warfare
• Advanced data-link connectivity
• Integration with a stealth combat drone (UCAV) that will fly alongside the jet
• Upgraded radar and sensors
• Improved self-protection suite

Dassault CEO Éric Trappier earlier stated that the F5 variant is designed to meet the future operational needs of the French Air Force and will enter service by 2030.

The accompanying UCAV—expected to weigh 5 to 6 tonnes—will feature stealth technology, a Safran engine, heavy weapon-carrying capacity, and the ability to enhance both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions.

Nuclear Strike Capability: The ASN4G Hypersonic Weapon

Reports from AeroTime emphasize that the Rafale F5 will be capable of executing nuclear missions.
Key upgrades include:

• Integration of the ASN4G hypersonic missile developed by MBDA
• Scramjet propulsion enabling extremely high speeds
• Enhanced connectivity critical for nuclear operations
• Upgraded radar, sensors, and defensive systems

French defence officials have stated that pairing the Rafale F5 with a stealth drone will significantly increase its operational effectiveness against ground and aerial threats.

Global Context: India’s Edge Over China–Pakistan

• China currently operates J-20 and J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters
• Pakistan is procuring the J-35 from China and Turkey
• The Rafale F5, with its advanced systems and nuclear capability, is expected to outmatch the J-20/J-35 in multi-domain warfare

If India goes ahead with the procurement, the Rafale F5 fleet will provide a strategic edge against regional adversaries.