Vayusena & Nausena Rafale: News & Discussion

[Rakesh]

Last Page of Previous Thread ---> viewtopic.php?p=2641871#p2641871

[Rakesh]

India is the first international customer for the Rafale Marine variant.

Signature of the Rafale Marine contract for India
https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/gr ... for-india/
28 April 2025

[Rakesh]

The deal was signed at the Indian Navy HQ in New Delhi.

VIDEO: https://x.com/ANI/status/1916777887396421725 ---> Today, India and France signed a mega Rs 63,000 crore deal to buy 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy. The Indian side was represented by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, where Navy Vice Chief Vice Admiral K Swaminathan was present. (Video source: Indian Navy)

Inter-Governmental Agreement inked with France for 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft for Indian Navy
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2124851
28 April 2025

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/ShivAroor/status/1916729706805891399 ---> India signs a deal today for 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Navy. After the post-Balakot air skirmish of 2019, which turned into a messy war of claims and counterclaims, will the Rafale now make any future air battle decisive and unambiguous?

https://x.com/livefist/status/1916797411344765035 ---> BREAKING: India & France sign deal for 26 Rafale M deck-based fighters for the Indian Navy.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/VishnuNDTV/status/1916802392135258290 ---> Key part of Rafale deal statement - ''.. setting up of production facility for Rafale Fuselage as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities for aircraft engine, sensors and weapons in India.'' This pretty much settles any debate on whether we're acquiring more Rafales. Seems we are.

https://x.com/ShivAroor/status/1916804654027125206 ---> BIG: India & France sign deal for 26 Rafale M fighters for the Indian Navy. Crucial bit: agreement includes setting up a production facility for Rafale fuselages in India as well as MRO facilities for aircraft engine, sensors and weapons.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/VishnuNDTV/status/1916802392135258290 ---> Key part of Rafale deal statement - ''.. setting up of production facility for Rafale Fuselage as well as Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities for aircraft engine, sensors and weapons in India.'' This pretty much settles any debate on whether we're acquiring more Rafales. Seems we are.

https://x.com/sjlazars/status/1916813936034529358 ---> So Vishnu, this is effectively a marriage then, between France & India for defence. Wondering what happens to the F-35 pitch by JD Vance & the USA? Or do we pick those as well?

https://x.com/VishnuNDTV/status/1916819015630000528 ---> This is an extraordinary platform ... in many respects superior to the F-35 - payload, performance, etc. Seems the armed forces are betting on this. It is also reasonably stealthy, in some aspects. Something not spoken about enough.

https://x.com/VishnuNDTV/status/1916852340906197298 ---> I don't think the F-35 is a reliable option for us presently. Despite its incredible sensor fusion and stealth characteristics, there are some areas where it doesn't match up to the Rafale. The Rafale bests the F-35 in its maneuverability, speed, payload capacity, lower operating costs, twin-engine reliability, advanced electronic warfare system, relatively faster procurement, Meteor missile integration, and mission flexibility. The F-35 is a superior as a fully-networked system with a lower radar signature. The Rafale, though, is relatively stealthy in some profiles.

https://x.com/praveen_menon/status/1916803887564226627 ---> Vishnu, do these contracts cover automatic upgrades as and when newer tech and weapons are launched on newer Rafales? Asking, since these will be delivered over a few years. And also, why would we not order the rest of the lot for 120 plus originally planned?

https://x.com/VishnuNDTV/status/1916806004496339019 ---> These deliveries are to a pre-selected standard. If you want a higher spec in the future, you pay for it. As for more orders, they will likely happen now that the fuselage will be built in India.

[Rakesh]

Rafale-M Power To Indian Navy: Bharat-France Seal Rs 63,000 Cr Mega Deal, What's The Significance?

India and France signed a Rs 63,000 Cr deal for 26 Rafale M jets for the Indian Navy. Defence Expert Praful Bakshi decodes the implications of the move. Watch the video to know more!

[Rakesh]

Indian Navy to Acquire 26 Rafale-M Fighters from France in ₹63,000 Crore Deal Amid Rising Regional Tensions
https://www.illustrateddailynews.com/in ... ons-834377
28 April 2025

The statement said that the IGA includes training, simulator, associated equipment, weapons and performance-based logistics. It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

In line with the government's thrust on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the agreement includes transfer of technology for integration of indigenous weapons in India. It also includes setting up of production facility for Rafale fuselage as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities for aircraft engine, sensors and weapons in India.

Rafale-Marine has commonality with the Rafale being operated by IAF. Its procurement will substantially enhance joint operational capability, besides optimising training and logistics for the aircraft for both Indian Navy and IAF.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/19 ... 5103713458 ---> India and France have signed a landmark Inter-Governmental Agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets (22 single-seaters and 4 twin-seaters) for the Indian Navy, along with weapons, simulators, and training. The deal, signed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu, includes major Transfer of Technology, local production of fuselage, and MRO facilities, boosting Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Deliveries will be completed by 2030, significantly strengthening India's naval air power and joint operations with the IAF.

[Rakesh]

Dassault to supply 26 Rafale Marine Jets to Indian with full maintenance support
https://mrobusinesstoday.com/dassault-t ... e-support/
28 April 2025

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/nitingokhale/status/1916822026377220451 ---> With the deal for 26 Rafale-M signed (deliveries to begin in three years time), it is now time to add more Rafales for the IAF. It’s a no-brainer. Synergy, optimisation of training, logistics and in-country MRO reduces costs, increases operational and combat efficiency. Add substantial number of Tejas MK IIs and go full throttle for the AMCA over next 10-15 years.

[Rakesh]

India-France sign mega deal for 26 Rafale fighters, integration of Astra missile & a fuselage facility
https://theprint.in/defence/india-franc ... y/2606882/
28 April 2025

Delivery of these aircraft would begin in 2028, 3 years from the date of contract, and will be completed by 2030.

Sources said that as per the agreement, Dassault Aviation will showcase a Rafale M with Indian specific enhancement in 18 months. The India specific enhancements include strengthening of the under carriage, helmet mounted displays among some others.

[Rakesh]

Confirmation that Rafale M will serve primarily (and only) on INS Vikrant.

India confirms order for 26 Rafale marine aircraft from France
https://www.bfmtv.com/economie/entrepri ... 80354.html
28 April 2028

First export customer for Rafale M

India thus became the second navy to equip itself with the Rafale M after France, and thus the first country to export for this version of the Dassault Aviation combat aircraft. Aircraft should be on board the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, currently equipped with Russian MiG-29K fighters.

Since 2015, the Rafale has been sold for export to seven countries: Qatar (36 copies), India (36 plus 26), Egypt (55), Greece (24, of which 12 seconds are), the United Arab Emirates (80), Indonesia (42), Croatia (12 second-hand aircraft).

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/nitingokhale/status/1916822026377220451 ---> With the deal for 26 Rafale-M signed (deliveries to begin in three years time), it is now time to add more Rafales for the IAF. It’s a no-brainer. Synergy, optimisation of training, logistics and in-country MRO reduces costs, increases operational and combat efficiency. Add substantial number of Tejas MK IIs and go full throttle for the AMCA over next 10-15 years.

https://x.com/ShivAroor/status/1916729706805891399 ---> Agreement includes ToT for integration of indigenous weapons in India. Includes setting up of production facility for Rafale Fuselage as well as MRO facilities for aircraft engine, sensors & weapons in India. All leads to higher cost. Vital that MRFA is junked for few more Rafales.

India orders 26 Rafale Marine carrier-based aircraft for $7.5 billion
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/20 ... 5-billion/
28 April 2025

[nachiket]

Indian Navy to Acquire 26 Rafale-M Fighters from France in ₹63,000 Crore Deal Amid Rising Regional Tensions
https://www.illustrateddailynews.com/in ... ons-834377
28 April 2025

The statement said that the IGA includes training, simulator, associated equipment, weapons and performance-based logistics. It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Interesting. Wonder what this equipment is. Maybe it is just additional stocks of weapons. Good that we included this in the Navy deal. Common sense but that is often in short supply when it comes to our Defence deals.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/19 ... 5103713458 ---> India and France have signed a landmark Inter-Governmental Agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets (22 single-seaters and 4 twin-seaters) for the Indian Navy, along with weapons, simulators, and training. The deal, signed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu, includes major Transfer of Technology, local production of fuselage, and MRO facilities, boosting Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Deliveries will be completed by 2030, significantly strengthening India's naval air power and joint operations with the IAF.

https://x.com/AjayshreeSamby3/status/19 ... 9633324136 ---> Not too much to guess now about MRFA 2.0

[Rakesh]

Interesting. Wonder what this equipment is. Maybe it is just additional stocks of weapons. Good that we included this in the Navy deal. Common sense but that is often in short supply when it comes to our Defence deals.

News reports state in-flight refueling capability (from one Rafale to another) is coming for around 10 IAF Rafales.
Likely this one ---> https://one.safran-group.com/09/en/one- ... es-rafale/

There will be other kit [some classified] as well. You mentioned weapons, which is definitely coming.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/SafranEngines/status/1916805900544757810 ---> Congratulations India and Dassault on this acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine powered by our M88 engine. We are proud to power and support this future fleet.



https://x.com/SAFRAN/status/1916832991478743531 ---> Congratulations to India on signing an agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine from Dassault. M88 engines, landing and braking systems and wiring, ejection seats, parachutes and oxygen systems, Safran companies supply a wide range of equipment for the Rafale Marine. #DidYouKnow - The Indian Navy will be the first Rafale Marine user outside France!

[nachiket]

https://x.com/VishnuNDTV/status/1916819015630000528 ---> This is an extraordinary platform ... in many respects superior to the F-35 - payload, performance, etc. Seems the armed forces are betting on this. It is also reasonably stealthy, in some aspects. Something not spoken about enough.

https://x.com/VishnuNDTV/status/1916852340906197298 ---> I don't think the F-35 is a reliable option for us presently. Despite its incredible sensor fusion and stealth characteristics, there are some areas where it doesn't match up to the Rafale. The Rafale bests the F-35 in its maneuverability, speed, payload capacity, lower operating costs, twin-engine reliability, advanced electronic warfare system, relatively faster procurement, Meteor missile integration, and mission flexibility. The F-35 is a superior as a fully-networked system with a lower radar signature. The Rafale, though, is relatively stealthy in some profiles.

The payload, maneuverability and lower operating cost advantage is particularly valid when comparing to the F-35B which has 2100kg less internal fuel due to the lift fan taking up space and lower total payload as well, although the internal payload is the same I believe. The F-35B is also limited to 7g. Realistically this would have been the only variant feasible for the IN (the 35C would be too big) even if it had been available which it wasn't. The "pitch" by JD Vance etc. wasn't really a pitch. The reality is that we operate the S400 and the Americans will not sell the F-35 to us. That has not changed.

The Rafale being "relatively stealthy" in some profiles is a suspect claim. Yes its RCS would be much lower than say a Flanker in a clean configuration though still much higher than an F-35. But in any realistic scenario it is going to be carrying external drop tanks and bombs which will increase the RCS substantially.

[nachiket]

Interesting. Wonder what this equipment is. Maybe it is just additional stocks of weapons. Good that we included this in the Navy deal. Common sense but that is often in short supply when it comes to our Defence deals.

News reports state in-flight refueling capability (from one Rafale to another) is coming for around 10 IAF Rafales.
Likely this one ---> https://one.safran-group.com/09/en/one- ... es-rafale/

Excellent! We definitely need those considering we only have six tankers.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/19 ... 5103713458 ---> India and France have signed a landmark Inter-Governmental Agreement for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets (22 single-seaters and 4 twin-seaters) for the Indian Navy, along with weapons, simulators, and training. The deal, signed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu, includes major Transfer of Technology, local production of fuselage, and MRO facilities, boosting Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Deliveries will be completed by 2030, significantly strengthening India's naval air power and joint operations with the IAF.

https://x.com/AjayshreeSamby3/status/19 ... 9633324136 ---> Not too much to guess now about MRFA 2.0

Dassault plans to deliver up to five Rafale per month in the coming years
https://www.bfmtv.com/economie/entrepri ... 30227.html
23 March 2025

"In 2020, we would deliver less than one Rafale per month. Today, we are more than two per month and we will further increase the pace (...) We plan to reach three Rafales delivered a month next year, and four from 2028-29, said the CEO of the French group.

"We have heard the President's call and are exploring the possibility of switching to five Rafales per month. There are not yet concrete orders, but we want to anticipate. Do we have enough space? Should we recruit? Will the subcontractors be able to follow? Will motorists be able to meet demand? We started the study,' he added. He confirmed the volumes needed by the French army mentioned by the Minister of the Armed Forces, namely about 20 Rafale for the Air Force and about ten for the French Navy.

He said he had "trust" about the delivery of Rafale to India, a long-prepared contract. 'For us, this is also an opportunity to expand our production lines by setting up a line on the ground, intended for Indian needs, but which could also be used in our rise.'

[Rakesh]

Excellent! We definitely need those considering we only have six tankers.

Six + 2 more wet leases are coming.

One is a Boeing KC-135 and the second is a A330 MRTT.

[Cyrano]

Doing LV print lungi dance under the Eiffel tower.

[Rakesh]

Doing LV print lungi dance under the Eiffel tower.

[Rakesh]

India & France sign deal for 26 Rafale marine fighters: Here's why it's significant

India and France on Monday finally signed a €7 billion deal for 26 Rafale marine fighters under an Inter Government Agreement (IGA) which also includes setting up of a production facility for Rafale fuselage. Deputy Editor Snehesh Alex Philip explains.

[Cybaru]

Oh my goodness, it's done! Coolio.... Will IN need more or is this it? I presume they will retire VikD and move the Mig29K to shore based duties? Why does the Rafale need more under carriage strengthening? We are rougher on our jets than the French?

Now on to 40-60 for IAF and close it out.

[Rakesh]

Will IN need more or is this it?

There are rumors of a follow-on order of Rafale M, to bring the numbers up to 57 MRCBF (the original plan) for three aircraft carriers.

But with the third aircraft carrier up in limbo, 26 is what is being acquired.

I presume they will retire VikD and move the Mig29K to shore based duties?

INS Vikramaditya will retire by the next decade and the MiG-29K/KUB fleet is expected to be withdrawn by 2035.

Why does the Rafale need more under carriage strengthening? We are rougher on our jets than the French?

The Rafale M's landing speed on Charles De Gaulle will be different compared to the landing speed on INS Vikrant. The former has a CATOBAR (steam powered) system from the US, while the arrestor gear on INS Vikrant is Russian in origin and is tuned for the MiG-29K/KUB.

Landing on INS Vikrant - in the same speed employed on Charles De Gaulle - will likely put additional wear & stress on the air frame and therefore a reduced landing speed will be employed. This gets even more challenging when you start adding fuel + external tanks + weaponry onto the platform. This was more than likely conveyed by Dassault to the Indian Navy, prior to the validation tests of the Rafale M at the SBTF (Shore Based Test Facility) at Goa. The arrestor gear on INS Vikrant also has to be re-tuned for the Rafale M.

Thus re-strengthening of the already strengthened Rafale M air frame is a modification that the Indian Navy will have to pay for, to effectively operate from the STOBAR-equipped INS Vikrant. A classic example of why phoren maal (from any nation) is not cheap. The F-18SH was even worse, as the arrestor gear on INS Vikrant could not handle the weight of the F-18SH. And this was something that Boeing itself was complaining about.

The entire MRCBF saga is a humbling lesson of working with compromises and having to choose between the lesser of two evils (Rafale M vs F-18SH).

P.S. Even with TEDBF, there are two variants being planned ---> One is a CATOBAR variant and the other is a STOBAR variant.

P.P.S. The French will go through a similar exercise when their second aircraft carrier (i.e. PANG) arrives. That vessel is coming with an EMALS system (from General Dynamics of the US) and the French Navy's Rafale Ms will likely undergo some modifications to operate from an EMALS-equipped aircraft carrier. However, Dassault will learn valuable lessons from the 22 Rafale Ms that they are building for the Indian Navy and they will incorporate them onto the French Navy examples.

Once again, India comes to the rescue of another country's MIC. That train is always on time

India paid for ISE upgrades for the 36 IAF Rafales and much of that arrived in the F4 variant for France and other customers.

Now on to 40-60 for IAF and close it out.

With the fuselage soon to be assembled in India, it is now just a formality (i.e. contract signing) for additional Rafales for the IAF.

Whatever the number ends up being, it must spell the end of the MRFA/MMRCA tamasha. Next year, it will be 25 years (quarter of a century!) when that comedy show started.

[nachiket]

Excellent! We definitely need those considering we only have six tankers.

Six + 2 more wet leases are coming.

One is a Boeing KC-135 and the second is a A330 MRTT.

I don't think wet leases can be used during war. The crew isn't IAF so they won't fly into danger. They can reduce usage of the IL-78's during peacetime I suppose.

[Rakesh]

I don't think wet leases can be used during war. The crew isn't IAF so they won't fly into danger. They can reduce usage of the IL-78's during peacetime I suppose.

Yes to the bolded part. I am unsure about the former.

I personally believe they are wet leasing one of each, just to see which is more practical for them to acquire in the long run.

The FRA (Flight Refueling Aircraft) contest has been reset at least three times, with the A330 ending up on top...each & every time. Cost is a factor that the MoD keeps harping on with regards to the A330 MRTT. Thus the KC-135 wet lease.

My personal (mango-abdul) opinion ---> There are a number of used B767s all over the globe. And IAI of Israel has significant expertise in converting used jumbo jets to FRAs. A330 MRTT is really nice, but for a budget-strapped nation like ours...is it an absolute must-have?

B767 or any other suitable wide body jumbo jet should be good enough.

"Best is the enemy of good enough."
- via Cybaru

[Sumeet]

Does any one know what is the configuration of Rafale M ? Is its equivalent to 4.1 or 4.2 version Rafale ?

[Rakesh]

Does any one know what is the configuration of Rafale M ? Is its equivalent to 4.1 or 4.2 version Rafale ?

If schedule in the below article is being followed, then it should be F4.2 as the first Indian Navy Rafale M has to be delivered to the customer by May 2028.

Latest-Generation Rafale Fighter Enters French Air Force Service
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news ... ce-service
March 07, 2023

The DGA began flight tests of the F4 upgrade in April 2021, at a time when clearance of the full F4 standard was planned for 2024, with some functions becoming available in an initial standard in 2022. It has been estimated that all in-service French Rafales will be at the Rafale F4.2 standard by 2030.

[Samay]

The cost of this acquisition is mind boggling .

Did they get any ToT on Engines ?

Rs. 63000 crore for such import should also additionally get ToT on engine in use and license production of Aircraft for long term requirement.

The total cost of (Air and Naval) variants , using the same engine , should be enough to provide a decent ToT.

[Rakesh]

The cost of this acquisition is mind boggling .

Did they get any ToT on Engines ?

Rs. 63000 crore for such import should also additionally get ToT on engine in use and license production of Aircraft for long term requirement.

The total cost of (Air and Naval) variants, using the same engine, should be enough to provide a decent ToT.

No ToT on engine. No one will give you ToT for turbofans. However, the MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facility below will include the M88 turbofan. MRO does *NOT* equal ToT though, but is a boost in terms of fleet availability. In addition, Indian missiles (i.e. Astra series) are coming on the aircraft.

https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/1917060217763958947 ---> The Rafale deal includes:

• Missiles and sensor packages
• MRO facility and a fuselage assembly line
• ToT for integration of Indian weapons & sensors
• Performance Based Logistics pact

And that guys is the reason why it is so costly. Doing per aircraft cost calculation is incorrect.

https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/1917068465049137199 ---> Oh and I forgot base establishment costs at INS Hansa. You know Rafale specific hangars, jigs and repair accessories training and maintenance stuff, etc.

https://x.com/WalkofV/status/1917060785618227388 ---> What does performance based logistics mean?

https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/1917061669739762041 ---> Guarantee a minimum force level availability (say 16 out of 26) throughout the year through supplies of spares and repair support. Responsibility of Dassault to ensure necessary support. So procurement of spares will be guided by that objective, than any static numbers of spares.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/ShivAroor/status/1917077296873411051 ---> The 2019 India-Pak air battle after the Balakot bombing descended into a fog of claims &and counterclaims. Many said with the Rafale, things would have been much ‘clearer’. India’s new Rafale deal and ongoing war clouds are a chance to see if that’s true:

[Rakesh]

Rajat Pandit has listed the delivery schedule - see article below - of the Rafale M from 2028 to 2030.

• 2028: 9 aircraft
• 2029: 12 aircraft
• 2030: 5 aircraft

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1916911347344019863 ---> India will get its first Rafale M jet in mid-2028 and all 26 by 2030 under the mega Rs 63,887 crore (almost €7 billion) deal inked with France for the omnirole fighters that will primarily operate from indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant’s deck!

https://x.com/rajatpTOI/status/1917045766218002450 ---> The two major Rafale deals make the French fighter the front-runner in the long-pending project to manufacture 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) with foreign collaboration in India, which was initially estimated to cost Rs 1.25 lakh crore and is now being fast-tracked.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/Defencematrix1/status/1916904747296297222 ---> Part of India's Rafale deal which was signed today, was a ToT agreement under which India will Integrate Indian weapons on the Rafale. Hence a very Important capability which the Rafale lacks. i.e anti radiation weapons will be integrated in the form of Rudram series, where the ranges start from 150 - 550 km. A very useful capability which can benefit the Greek air force aka Hellenic air force. Also Brahmos NG (ALARM-N) integration is on the cards too, again a weapon which can be very useful for the Greek air force.

https://x.com/R0han_Hindu/status/1917053669482123458 ---> Does that mean we should be able to integrate weapons on the 36 old Rafales?

https://x.com/Defencematrix1/status/1917054030712377500 ---> Indeed.

[nachiket]

The lack of an anti-radiation missile on the Rafale is the only major capability gap (for a 4.5 gen fighter). Wonder why the French never prioritized it. I suppose their way of doing SEAD would be to locate the emitting radar using Spectra and then send a SCALP to destroy it. Far more expensive proposition than using a Rudram which we can hopefully now integrate on it.

[srai]

^^^
In Libya (2011), Rafales used AASM Hammers to take out SAMs (SA3). In the more recent Ukraine War, we have seen effectiveness of Storm Shadow/SCALP against S-300/400 systems.


Libya, AASM sead capability demonstrated

…
Relying on the AASM extended stand-off range, Rafales were tasked to suppress and destroy SA-3 air defense sites during the initial phases of the conflict. During these strikes, utilizing the Rafales’ on-board sensor fusion capability, integrating data obtained from on-board sensors and external sources, delivered over Link-16, the fighters could generate strike coordinates based on real-time data, and feed it to the weapon in flight. The French fighters succeeded to hit the active sites with AASM, launching the weapons from long distance, outside the SA-3 launch envelope. Since each individual weapon is programmed with specific target coordinates, multiple weapons can be employed from the same aircraft, to attack different targets. Each weapon can be reprogrammed in flight, enabling it to engage several targets simultaneously (up to six in the case of the Rafale.)

A significant advantage of the AASM is the ability to retarget the weapon from the cockpit, just before launch. A Rafale carrying six weapons, each programmed with six different targets prior to takeoff. In addition to hitting each of the targets, the same fighter can re-attack targets already engaged but not destroyed, ensuring mission success, avoiding the high risk and costs involved with repeat missions, following battle damage assessment. Overall, Sagem claims a mission success rate of over 90%, compared to 70%, achieved by unpowered (gliding) laser guided or geo-targeted weapons, which are also restricting mission planning in flight envelope, flight trajectory, impact angle and penetration.

When employed against air defense assets, the combination of the weapon’s stand-off range and re-attack capability means an air defense site would be taken out of operation for longer periods, delivering higher success rate in SEAD operations and precision attacks of high value targets.
…
The weapon uses a booster/sustainer rocket engine accelerating it to the designated cruising speed and altitude, from where it is designed to continue through an autonomous operation, in day or night and in all weather conditions. It can be released at low altitude, and can also be fired up to 180 degrees off-axis in relation to the aircraft’s flight path, (‘backwards’) attacking targets from any direction, from standoff distance exceeding 50 km.

AASM-250 weapons are currently fitted with inertial/GPS guidance. The addition of semi-active laser seeker, and algorithms to track fixed or mobile targets during the terminal phase, will enhance the operational flexibility of the AASM family.
…

https://omnirole-rafale.com/armement/air-sol/


https://www.eruditeelders.com/what-impa ... 4cc5cc01b3

[nachiket]

^^^
In Libya (2011), Rafales used AASM Hammers to take out SAMs (SA3). In the more recent Ukraine War, we have seen effectiveness of Storm Shadow/SCALP against S-300/400 systems.

AASM makes sense against short ranged SAMs like the SA-3. For anything better than that you need a longer stick. That's why I mentioned the SCALP which they seem to have used according to the report you posted. It is expensive though and there will be plenty of other targets which need a SCALP as well. The ability to automatically generate GPS co-ordinates is very useful though. Since you are then not dependent on the radar emitter remaining active. Unless it moves after you launch of course.

[Samay]

Mod Note: When replying to posts, please ensure that you quote the post, without any edits. The only exception is if there is a video. This is helpful for readers who are following the thread. The post that you quoted had merged a tweet that I posted, with my own statement.

No ToT on engine. No one will give you ToT for turbofans. However, the MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) facility below will include the M88 turbofan. MRO does *NOT* equal ToT though, but is a boost in terms of fleet availability. In addition, Indian missiles (i.e. Astra series) are coming on the aircraft.

https://x.com/cvkrishnan/status/1917060217763958947 ---> The Rafale deal includes:

• Missiles and sensor packages
• MRO facility and a fuselage assembly line
• ToT for integration of Indian weapons & sensors
• Performance Based Logistics pact

And that guys is the reason why it is so costly. Doing per aircraft cost calculation is DUMB.

(1) IMHO ,No one will give ToT for Jet engines is a misconception deeply ingrained (or deliberately planted) in the psyche of Indian Defence establishment .
Did the French denied ToT of engines to us? Not even license production ?
(2) Rafale has 13 declared hard points , not 100 . God knows how many foreign missiles (MBDA meteor - approx $2 million, Scalp - $1million each) a Rafale would ever be able to use in real situations. (excluding indigenous missiles)
https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/de ... d-weapons/
(3) What is the cost of setting up a MRO facility building with some tools ? 10000 crores ?
(4) "ToT for integration of Indian weapons & sensors " - French will allow , so kind .
(5) Logistics of spare parts costs roughly say 100% of each jet, so each Rafale M costs around $145 million without spares, weapons and repair facilities ?

Each Rafale is costing more than $ 288 million over its usage period , not considering decreasing Rupee value .

This is a costly deal covering bureaucratic red tape , which saves funds in daily necessities of Air force & still do not invest in 5th Gen AC development since last 30 yrs.
The French are milking so effectively.
TEDBF & AMCA will remain in powerpoint and dummy presentations only it seems.
It is better to give all funds to foreigners, than to develop or license produce anything here ?