Rafale fighter jet

GS 3 – DEFENCE

Ahead of PM’s Paris trip, Rafale, Scorpene deals reach final leg

The Rafale fighter jet is a 4.5-generation, twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft designed and manufactured by the French company Dassault Aviation. Its acquisition by India has strategic, technological, and geopolitical implications. Below is a detailed analysis of the Rafale jet and its relevance for UPSC preparation.

Technical Features of Rafale

1. Multirole Capabilities:
   • Capable of air superiority, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, and nuclear strike missions.
2. Advanced Avionics:
   • Equipped with AESA radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array).
   • Thales SPECTRA Electronic Warfare system for superior stealth and self-defense.
3. Weapon Systems:
   • Meteor Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles.
   • SCALP air-to-ground cruise missiles.
   • Hammer precision-guided bombs.
   • MICA multi-mission air-to-air missiles.
4. Operational Range: Approximately 3,700 km with external fuel tanks.
5. High Maneuverability: Designed for both short and long-range missions, with the ability to operate from short and semi-prepared airstrips.
6. Refueling: Airborne refueling capability enhances operational reach.

Rafale Deal with India

1. Inter-Governmental Agreement:
   • Signed in September 2016 between India and France for 36 Rafale jets at a cost of approximately ₹59,000 crores.
2. Offsets Clause:
   • Dassault Aviation committed to reinvesting 50% of the contract value in Indian defense industries, promoting the Make in India initiative.
3. Customizations for Indian Needs:
   • Integration of Indian-origin Helmet Mounted Displays, advanced Israeli-origin jammers, and DRDO-developed systems.

Significance of Rafale for India

• Strategic Advantage: Enhances India’s air superiority against Pakistan and China, serving as a deterrent in two-front wars.
• Technological Edge: Introduces advanced technology like the Meteor missile and improved radar systems for superior air operations.
• Operational Versatility: Effective across diverse terrains, especially critical regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Strengthening Air Force Fleet: Bolsters India’s depleting IAF squadron strength, ensuring combat readiness.