Recently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has welcomed the first batch of French Rafale aviation combat aircrafts at the Ambala Air base in Haryana following an approximate 23-year hiatus from significant fighter plane acquisitions. Out of 36 Rafale jets, the IAF received five. The remaining jets are anticipated to be delivered to India by the end of 2021.
The Rafale jet, a product of Dassault Aviation, is a twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft designed and built for both the French Air Force and French Navy. Its versatility manifests in air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike, and nuclear deterrence missions.
The Rafale Deal and Specifications
India signed a Rs 59,000-crore deal with French aerospace major Dassault Aviation in 2016. This followed a nearly seven-year-long attempt to procure 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force, which did not materialize due to discord over domestic production.
Compared to the MMRCA, Rafale harbours superior technological advancements and lower life cycle costs, with specifications that echo India’s warfare requisites. In terms of weaponry, the Rafale jets are equipped with the Meteor missile, Scalp cruise missile, and the MICA weapons system. It’s already in service with the IAF i.e., Mirages – it is the main weapon system of Rafale as well.
Significance of the Rafale for India
The introduction of Rafale is expected to enhance the joint strategic vision of India-France cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. This would curtail over-flights and the threat of weapons of mass destruction in the area.
Furthermore, Rafale will furnish superior air combat capabilities to India, which currently contends with hostile neighbours like Pakistan and China. Proven in combat missions in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, and Syria over the past few years, Rafale’s distinct capabilities make it a strategic platform. Currently, India is the fourth country to own Rafale after France, Egypt, and Qatar.
Impact on Indian Defence Preparedness
Rafale, often compared with the USA’s stealth F-35 aircraft and F-22, surpasses the capabilities of China’s J-20 fighter aircraft. Its induction signifies an increase in India’s defence preparedness, especially during times of border clashes with China.
However, the Indian Air Force continues to grapple with a decreasing fleet of fighter jets. While its authorized strength stands at 42 squadrons, it currently operates with only 30 squadrons of fighter jets. As such, replenishing the sanctioned strength of fighter squadrons remains a priority.
Challenges Ahead for the Indian Air Force
By 2023, the Pakistan Air Force and China’s PLA Air Force are set to have 27 and 42 fighter squadrons respectively. This scenario highlights the need for India to remain vigilant regarding the increasing potential of its hostile neighbours. Furthermore, despite desiring a strength of 45 fighter squadrons for a two-front challenge (War with China and Pakistan), the IAF has been operating below its authorised strength since 2002.
The procurement process also faces delays. For example, the IAF plans to procure Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk I and MK II from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). But supplies from HAL are not aligning with the scheduled induction plan.
Way Forward
Despite these challenges, the assimilation of Rafale has the potential to significantly enhance India’s defence sector. To actualize this, a continuous dialogue mechanism between India and France is necessary, aimed at further strengthening strategic and military ties.
In addition to procuring 21 MiG-29 aircraft from Russia, the IAF should strive towards replenishing its old fighter aircraft fleet. The fitting of India-specific enhancements in Rafale, through technological exchange with France, would be a worthy initiative.
