Rafale-M Jets

Source:  IT

Context: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) jets from France, enhancing India’s maritime strike capabilities amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions.

About Rafale-M Jets:

What is Rafale-M Jets?

• Rafale-M is the carrier-borne variant of Dassault Aviation’s 4.5-generation Rafale fighter jet, designed specifically for naval operations from aircraft carriers.
• It offers multirole capabilities — air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, nuclear deterrence, and anti-ship missions.

Recent Agreement Between India and France:

• Procurement: 26 Rafale-M jets worth ₹63,000 crore through a government-to-government deal.
• Breakdown: 22 single-seaters + 4 twin-seater trainers, including weapons, simulators, crew training, and logistics support for five years.
• Timeline: Deliveries to begin in 2029 and complete by 2031.
• Compatibility: Will operate from INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier.

Key Features of Rafale-M Jet:

• Advanced Weapons: Equipped with Meteor air-to-air missiles, SCALP cruise missiles (range 560 km), and Exocet anti-ship missiles.
• Superior Sensors: RBE2-AA AESA radar, Front Sector Optronics (FSO), and SPECTRA electronic warfare suite for long-range detection and survivability.
• Carrier-Adapted Design: Reinforced airframe, corrosion resistance, folding wings, and stronger undercarriage for maritime conditions.
• Multifunctionality: Capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions during a single sortie; service ceiling of 50,000 feet.
• Data Fusion Capability: Integrates information from sensors to present pilots with a consolidated operational picture.

Competition:

• Against China:
  • Shenyang J-15:

• • • Primary 4.5-generation carrier-based multirole fighter.
    • Known as the “Flying Shark”; 59 jets currently in service.

• Shenyang J-11:

• • • 4th-generation air superiority fighters.
    • 50 jets currently operational.

• Against Pakistan:

• • Pakistan has no carrier and thus no naval fighter jets.
  • Pakistan’s JF-17 and F-16 jets are fighter aircraft used by the Pakistan Air Force.