French To upgrade Rafale to F3-R Standard

A research and development deal is due soon as part of an announced upgrade of the Rafale fighter to F3-R standard, including a new-generation laser targeting pod.
The DGA signed with Thales at the end of December a contract for derisking work on a new-generation laser targeting pod. The electronics company supplies the Damocles infrared pod that fits on the Rafale and Mirage 2000D.
The government plans a major R&D effort for programs set out in the 2014-19 multiyear budget law.
Those other programs include the Scorpion project for modernizing Army kit, an underwater drone to replace the Navy’s minehunter ships, Musis spy satellite to replace the Helios 2 system, and cooperation on the Italian Cosmo-Skymed and German SAR Lupe satellite programs.
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