Beyond Stealth: How the Rafale F5 is Redefining the 4.5-Generation Fighter

The Dassault Rafale, a cornerstone of French aerospace engineering, is often categorized as a "4.5-generation" fighter jet. While it is not a "stealth" aircraft in the traditional sense like the American F-35 or F-22, it represents a masterful blend of aerodynamic agility and advanced electronic warfare. Designed by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale was built to be an "omnirole" platform, meaning it can perform a vast array of missions—ranging from air superiority and reconnaissance to nuclear deterrence—within a single flight. This versatility is its primary selling point, allowing air forces to replace multiple specialized aircraft with one highly capable, multi-functional fleet.