France sets 2027 demo phase and 2029 development start for national NGF fighter
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France will launch a second demonstration phase for its New Generation Fighter (NGF) in 2027 and begin full‑scale development in 2029, following the initial demonstration phase that began in December 2022 with the award of the Next Generation Weapon System contract.
The French Ministry of the Armed Forces will more than double its funding commitments for the Future Combat Air System from €1.2 billion in 2026 to €2.74 billion in 2027, while actual payment appropriations rise 23% from €454.5 million to €557.8 million, and the overall defence budget (excluding pensions) reaches €63.4 billion in 2027, an increase of €6.5 billion over 2026.
Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier said in a French Senate interview on 1 July 2026 that the NGF demonstrator could make its first flight in 2031 or 2032.