France awards Rafale F5 contracts to renew nuclear strike capability by 2033

France has awarded contracts to Dassault, Thales, MBDA, and Safran for the Rafale F5 upgrade, covering navigation, data links, radar, electronic warfare, and engine. This secures qualification by 2033, ahead of the ASN4G nuclear missile entry into service around 2035, renewing France's nuclear airstrike capability. The program is a long-term modernization effort, with no immediate operational impact.