France upgrades Rafale jets to counter growing drone threat

France is developing several upgrade options for its Rafale fighter jets to better counter unmanned aerial vehicles, according to the country’s Air and Space Force chief.

In an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche, General Jérôme Bellanger said the goal is to equip Rafale aircraft with more cost-effective systems. “The objective is to fit Rafale with less expensive solutions. One option is adapting its cannon to engage such targets,” he stated.

The general also did not rule out the use of laser-guided missiles to combat drones.

Currently, the French Air and Space Force relies on costly MICA missiles to neutralize UAVs, with each missile priced at around €600,000.

By Jeyhun Aghazada