Rafale

France has carried out Operation Poker, a long-running exercise in which Rafale fighter jets rehearse a nuclear strike mission using simulated ASMP-A air-launched missiles. The drill tests the French Air and Space Force and Navy's ability to deliver the country's deterrent under realistic conditions. Coverage is explaining how the operation works and what it signals about France's nuclear posture.

Dassault Aviation is testing two French sovereign AI systems in flight aboard a Rafale fighter jet, according to a report from Journal du Geek dated 28 September 2026. The trials, discussed on social media under defense-related tags, are being read as a step toward European technological independence in military aviation, letting France deploy homegrown artificial intelligence without relying on foreign providers.

Dassault Aviation is testing artificial intelligence algorithms aboard its Rafale fighter jet, Reuters reports. The news has drawn attention in France and the Netherlands, with the topic also trending on Google in France. The trials point to growing interest in AI-assisted capabilities for combat aircraft, a sensitive area given Europe's defence ambitions and Dassault's central role in French military aviation.

Portugal is being discussed as a potential buyer of the French Rafale fighter jet to replace its ageing F-16 fleet. Posts link Dassault's aircraft with a possible Portuguese replacement programme, pointing to strengthening defence cooperation between Paris and Lisbon at a time when European countries are renewing their air combat capabilities.

Discussion is growing around Portugal potentially acquiring the French Dassault Rafale to replace its ageing F-16 fighter jets. Aviation and defence commentators are highlighting the Rafale as a candidate in Lisbon's search for a new combat aircraft, a move that would deepen defence ties between Paris and Lisbon.