NAMIB EW Payload Completes First Collaborative Flight with Rafale F4

Dassault Aviation and Harmattan AI achieved the first in-flight collaborative engagement between a Rafale F4 fighter and an unmanned aerial system carrying the NAMIB electronic warfare payload, validating SEAD/DEAD mission capabilities. During the test near Paris, NAMIB discreetly detected and geolocated enemy radar emissions from several dozen kilometers away, transmitting target data to the Rafale which simulated a firing run. This integration confirms the F4 standard architecture supports seamless EW drone operations, enabling stand-off missions that protect the manned aircraft from direct exposure to air defense systems. The payload operates on diverse unmanned platforms, from quadcopters to fixed-wing drones, and represents a critical step toward networked, autonomous combat for French operators.