Standard F4.3 of Rafale Defined

In France, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) is shaping the future of the Dassault Rafale fighter-bomber by conducting a suitability review campaign of the Rafale standard F4.3 in Istres.


The aim of these tests is to assess the operation of standard F4.3 during operational missions to analyze the performance of the systems, especially connectivity and weaponry.

The campaign involved various DGA centers, the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace, the Marine Nationale, and industrialists such as Dassault, Thales, and MBDA, collaborating for the complete evaluation.

Thanks to the close collaboration and resources employed, the evaluation was conducted successfully, defining the F4.3 standard which is an important step towards the development of the new F5 standard.

Tests Conducted in Istres

A total of seven missions were carried out with air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-sea scenarios involving Rafale fighter-bombers of the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace and the Marine Nationale.

The tests were also attended by other aircraft of the two Armed Forces, including E-3F AWACS and E-2C Hawkeye AEW with A330 MRTT for in-flight refueling.

The Chevalier Paul (D 621) air defense ship of the Marine Nationale and a Mamba missile defense battery (SAMP/T) of the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace also contributed to the tests.

Features of the F4.3 Standard

The Rafale’s F4.3 version schedules the use of MBDA’s MICA NG medium-range air-to-air missiles and A-ASM air-to-surface armament for precision strikes.

The aircraft will have an improved version of the self-protection system SPECTRA, new CONTACT communication systems, and Thales’ TALIOS pod for target acquisition and identification, battle damage assessment, and close air support.

The F4.3 standard will be compatible with the use by pilots of the Scorpion targeting and data display helmet by Thales.

Source Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA)