French Report Warns of Rafale's Limitations Against Stealth Fighters, Prompting India to Accelerate AMCA to Counter China-Pak 5th-Gen Fleet

A recent report from the French Institute of International Relations (Ifri), a leading French think tank, has raised concerns about the capabilities of the Dassault Rafale fighter jet in modern aerial combat, particularly against advanced stealth aircraft.

The report, titled "The Future of Air Superiority: Mastering the Skies in High Intensity," was authored by two experts from the French Air and Space Forces and has been highlighted by the French media outlet L’Opinion.

The Ifri report suggests that the current French approach to air superiority may be inadequate in high-intensity conflicts, especially when operating alongside allies with fifth-generation fighter jets like the American F-35.

In simulated combat exercises, Rafale pilots have reportedly faced significant challenges when engaging stealth fighters, leading the report to conclude that "the combat mission against stealth fighters is impossible to win with the current state of the sensors."

This assessment has significant implications for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which has already inducted 36 Rafale jets and is considering further acquisitions.

The report raises questions about the Rafale's effectiveness in air superiority roles against adversaries equipped with fifth-generation fighters, such as the Chinese J-20 and the potential acquisition of the Chinese J-35A by Pakistan.

This looming "stealth gap" could undermine India's ability to maintain air dominance in the region.

In response to these concerns, India may accelerate the development of its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), or explore alternative options for acquiring stealth capabilities.

The AMCA program, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aims to deliver a cutting-edge fighter jet with advanced stealth features, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities.

Furthermore, the IAF may prioritize upgrading the Rafale's existing avionics and electronic warfare systems to enhance its survivability and effectiveness against stealth threats. This could involve collaborating with France to develop and integrate new technologies or seeking solutions from other international partners.

The Ifri report underscores the evolving nature of aerial warfare and the challenges posed by advanced stealth technology. India's response will likely involve a multi-pronged approach, including accelerating indigenous fighter development, pursuing upgrades for existing platforms, and potentially diversifying its fighter fleet to ensure a robust and adaptable air defence capability.

 

[Philippe Picard]

I also read one article. In that one of the retired French pilot said with this current technologies in rafale it will not be able to match f35

Rafale F5 will be able to match certainly some characteristics, but not a purly sealth plane as the F35. The F35 is a trojan horse

 

[bonito]

Its fine we don't need to bother as we are not losing anything while we had nothing at hand or offered to us to compete with it. So not a regretable choice.

 

[Sandeep]

Thankfully they are Visionary unlike us, we live in dreamland believing Rafale can beat J20, J35

The Chinese jets are not actual stealth jets at all. Their technology is inferior, unreliable, problematic, many faults, weapons unreliable etc. In every category the Chinese jets are not a 5th generation stealth jet as its performance and capabilities do not match with what the Chinese claim their technology and jets can do.

 

[Sandeep]

All Strategic policy makers for the nations know that for better decisions on ground they need autonomy in defense technology key. Defense Technology that is indeginous and free from forieng Tech, Make in Indian Weapons platform (IN house technology and all parts assembly) with complete delivery platforms are critical to achieve reliability. In case of war none can pledge sharing key details and affects INDIAN Autonomy. Bharat should work on making a Akhand hindu Rashtra and focus on inhouse products instead foreign vendors. Indian Tax payers money is hugely compounded in interest of foreign companies without technology transfer.

Absolutely correct! Which is why this government has managed to cut down on foreign expensive imports by half and increased indigenous weapons and technology research, development and production.

Only way to get Akhand Bharat is if we defeat Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan etc. The time for achieving that was straight away when we achieved independence but instead Hindus received insults upon insults.

 

[Sandeep]

The Rafale jets are quite stealthy already as it uses over 75% of composites and out of 4.5th generation jets the Rafale is one of the best jets in terms of its advanced technology, equipment and weapons it can carry and use. To improve its stealth capability even more we should repaint it with anti stealth paint to absorb the radar waves.

Also every 4.5th generation jet will struggle against any 5th generation stealth jet because of its advanced technology over the 4.5th generation jet. India needs to focus on designing, developing and manufacturing our own 100% AMCA MK1 and MK2.