According to information published by Opex360 on May 8, 2023, Admiral Pierre Vandier, who serves as the head of the French Navy, has confirmed that the Navy will not receive any new Rafale M fighter jets under the 2024-2030 military programming law.
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French Navy's Rafale M fighter aircraft. (Picture source: French MoD)
The Rafale M, or "naval" variant of the Rafale fighter jet, had its maiden flight on 12 December 1991 with the M01 prototype, followed by the M02 in November 1993.
Designed to operate aboard ships, the Rafale M features a reinforced structure, provisions for a tail hook, and an in-built ladder. It underwent catapult trials at the United States Navy facility at NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey, in mid-1992 and early 1993 before conducting shipboard trials aboard the Foch in April 1993.
In July 1999, the Rafale M conducted landings and launches from the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle carrier. The naval modifications of the Rafale M increase its weight by 500 kilograms (1,100 lb) compared to other variants, with features including a reinforced undercarriage, an arrestor hook, and a "jump strut" nosewheel.
The Rafale M also retains about 95% commonality with air force variants, although it cannot fold its wings to reduce storage space. The introduction of the larger Charles de Gaulle carrier offset the size constraints of the non-folding wings. Testing showed that the Rafale M had significant "bring back" capability, allowing it to land with significant loads of unexpended ordnance.
