WIADOMOŚCI France faces a difficult Rafale M transition Aleksander Olech Photo. The French Navy currently operates 41 Rafale M aircraft, although its recognised requirement is 51. The central question is whether France should purchase additional Rafale F4 aircraft or move directly to the F5. Ultimately, France risks entering the 2030s with an ageing and insufficient naval fighter fleet, while the Rafale F5 and its successor remain subject to political and industrial decisions. The French Navy will continue to operate, but it may have to manage the transition with fewer aircraft than required.