F3-R launched in 2013 ?

Seen in La Tribune...

Jean-Yves le Drian (French MoD) told La Tribune that he plans to launch the development of the future F3-R standard before the end of 2013.

Reminder :

A risk reduction contract was signed earlier, in December 2012, for the preliminary studies one this standard which will give the Rafale :

• the Meteor ;
• the PDL NG to replace the Damocles ;
•  IFF mode 5/S ;
• improved L16 ;
• Spectra upgrades ;
• Reco NG upgrades.