Incommunicado: Collaborative Combat between Rafale and F-35 is Impossible, Dassault CEO Says Aviacionline
Eric Trappier, Executive Chairman of Dassault Aviation, has drawn attention to the closed communication system of the Lockheed Martin F-35, which has been presenting problems for cooperative combat missions planned with the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Trappier conveyed this issue to French senators on May 24th.
Trappier explained that “collaborative combat” ideally creates a cooperative link among fighter jets, permitting one jet’s computer to operate weapons on another jet during a mission. This cooperative link can also extend to other capabilities of the fighters. However, “this can only be achieved with Rafales, within a Rafale patrol,” said Trappier. Collaborative Combat between Rafales and F-16 or F-35 jets is currently not possible, and he doubts it will be in the future.
While there is “interoperability” with the F-16 and F-35 fighters, this is primarily facilitated through data exchange via the U.S.-designed Link 16, which is available to NATO forces. French fighters are equipped with Link 16, allowing data link with an F-16.
However, compatibility with the F-35 is more challenging because it adheres to an American, non-NATO standard and remains a closed system. Trappier humorously commented that if allied nations wished to achieve interoperability with an F-35, the easiest way would be to purchase one.
As reported by Pierre Tran in SLDinfo.com, Dassault views the F-35 as a direct competitor for the Rafale’s export sales, which contribute significantly to the revenue of the family-controlled company. Dassault is the prime contractor on the fighter and the leading industrial partner on the New Generation Fighter (NGF) at the core of FCAS.
The aim is to eventually replace the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon with a new fighter around 2040. France, Germany, and Spain are backing the FCAS project.
Impending Challenges and Potential Solutions
Trappier highlighted the necessity for other aircraft and satellites to act as communication nodes for these fighters.
Work has already begun on enhancing the speed of data exchange during collaborative combat, with developments on the Rafale F-4 version. This networking capability will be expanded in the planned F-5 model of the fighter jet.
However, when most of the fighters used by European forces are U.S.-built, issues arise. Jean-Pierre Maulny, Deputy Director of Institut des Relations Internationales et Stratégiques, agreed, stating, “A solution has to be found.”
Dassault is currently collaborating with Dassault Systèmes on developing a “sovereign cloud.” Trappier urges European nations to invest in a shared cloud computing system to enhance security, instead of relying on Google or Microsoft.
Rafale’s Future
The French government has reduced orders for the Rafale from 185 to 137 units by 2030, a significant change, according to Christian Cambon, chairman of the Senate Defense Committee. The Defense Ministry has noted that the Rafale will fly alongside the FCAS new generation fighter for at least 30 years, suggesting a need for continual updates.
There is an expectation for a new order of 42 Rafales this year, with 30 long-awaited domestic orders. The future prospects for the fighter jet lie in India, South America, and possibly Indonesia, which is expected to place further orders in the next few months.
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