SOURCE: AFI
The upcoming Paris Air Show, set to kick off on June 16, 2025, at Le Bourget, will feature a significant highlight as Dassault Aviation unveils a Rafale B equipped with conformal fuel tanks (CFTs). This marks a notable return to a concept the French manufacturer first explored in the early 2000s, only to shelve it at the time. The reintroduction of CFTs on the twin-seat Rafale B suggests Dassault is betting on renewed market interest, particularly for long-range deep-strike missions.
Conformal fuel tanks, mounted flush along the aircraft’s fuselage, enhance the Rafale’s range and payload capacity without the drag penalty associated with traditional external drop tanks. Initially tested in April 2001 with 1,150-liter CFTs, the technology promised a 20-25% range increase, a feature showcased at the same airshow over two decades ago. However, the idea was abandoned, possibly due to operational challenges or shifting priorities. The latest iteration, featuring CFTs on the Rafale B01 development aircraft, indicates a strategic pivot, potentially driven by evolving combat requirements and export opportunities.
The timing of this debut aligns with growing demand for multirole fighters capable of executing extended-range strikes, especially as tensions rise in regions like the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. The CFTs free up hardpoints for additional weaponry, enabling the Rafale to carry a mix of air-to-ground munitions and air-to-air missiles over greater distances. This could position the jet as a formidable asset for nations seeking to project power without relying heavily on vulnerable aerial refueling assets.
Dassault’s decision to revisit CFTs may also reflect feedback from current operators, including India, France, and Egypt, where the Rafale’s versatility is already proven. The Rafale B, with its two-seat configuration, is well-suited for training and complex missions, and the addition of CFTs could enhance its appeal for deep-strike roles against high-value targets. Social media buzz, particularly on X, has amplified excitement, with users speculating that this could unlock new export markets, especially for countries lacking extensive refueling infrastructure.
While details on the exact range improvement remain undisclosed, the move signals Dassault’s intent to keep the Rafale competitive against rivals like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35, both of which have explored similar technologies. The Paris Air Show debut will likely serve as a testing ground for market reception, with potential upgrades like the Standard F5—planned for 2030—possibly integrating CFTs as standard. Whether this revival translates into a game-changing deep-strike platform or remains a niche offering will depend on how global air forces respond in the coming months.
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