France is planning to equip Dassault Rafale combat aircraft and its operators with the capability that can suppress enemy air defenses (SEAD)/destruction of enemy air defenses (DEAD) with the introduction of Hypersonic Air Launched Cruise missiles that will be earmarked for F5 aircraft.
France is already working on F-4 standard Rafales that are on offer to India that will have the ability to carry new weaponry such as the Mica Next-Generation (NG) air-to-air missile and 1,000 kg Sagem Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) modular air-to-ground precision weapon.
French-developed Hypersonic Air Launched Cruise missiles will be introduced on the F-5 standard Rafales initially but they will be backward compatible so Rafale 3FR procured by IAF and F-4 Standard that might be procured under MRFA Tender will get it when it is ready for production.
