Training or Deception? Likely Rafale or Tejas MkII Fighter Jet Mockup Spotted at Bareilly Air Force Station Sparks Speculation

Satellite imagery of Bareilly Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh has sparked a lively debate within the Indian defence community. The images reveal what appears to be a fighter jet mockup, prompting speculation about its identity and purpose. Is it a decoy of the Dassault Rafale, the indigenous HAL Tejas MkII, or something else entirely?

The images, widely circulated on platforms like Reddit, show a fighter jet silhouette that has divided opinions. Some users, noting the absence of Rafale squadrons at Bareilly, question why a Rafale mockup would be present.

Others have pointed out subtle details, like the apparent lack of MICA missile rails on the wingtips, suggesting it might not be a Rafale after all. This has led to speculation that it could be a mockup of the upcoming Tejas MkII.

Adding to the intrigue, some users have suggested the mockup is used for training ground crew on aircraft handling and parking procedures within Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS). This explanation highlights the practical aspect of such mockups in realistic training scenarios.

The absence of MICA missile rails, a distinctive feature of the Rafale, could indeed indicate that the mockup is not a Rafale. However, the quality and angle of satellite imagery can sometimes obscure such details.

The fact that Bareilly Air Force Station, which typically houses Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, does not operate Rafales raises questions about the mockup's purpose. It could be part of a specialized training program, preparation for potential future deployments, or even a deliberate deception tactic.

If the mockup is indeed of the Tejas MkII, it could signal that the Indian Air Force is preparing for the integration of this advanced fighter into its fleet, focusing on operational readiness and familiarization.

The possibility of the mockup being a deliberate decoy to mislead adversaries cannot be discounted. Such tactics are common in modern military operations, and India has demonstrated increasing sophistication in its deception capabilities.

Ultimately, the true identity and purpose of the fighter jet mockup at Bareilly Air Force Station remain a subject of speculation. Whether for training, strategic preparation, or deception, it highlights the complexities of modern military operations where even a seemingly innocuous mockup can generate significant interest and debate within the defence community.

 

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[Jagroshan]

What about this, India might also working on some secret aircraft under the wraps. And IAF intentionally leaked this image in tit-for-tat response of China unveiling their new aircrafts?

I am praying for this to get true.

 

[Satish1]

What about this, India might also working on some secret aircraft under the wraps. And IAF intentionally leaked this image in tit-for-tat response of China unveiling their new aircrafts?

I am praying for this to get true.

Good wishful thinking from wrong country.

 

[Steel Mathi]

This is clearly visible on our Google Maps...

Google Maps was updated six months ago. We are just now seeing this. If there was a change in your area six months ago, make sure the map is updated now. As far as I know, it will be a plastic or metal model airplane.

 

[Jagroshan]

Good wishful thinking from wrong country.

Since India has shown conducting secret projects in the past like ASAT missile program under Mission Shakti, recently unveiled Hypersonic missile test and the legend one Atomic test of Pokhran.

 

[PKPRS]

What about this, India might also working on some secret aircraft under the wraps. And IAF intentionally leaked this image in tit-for-tat response of China unveiling their new aircrafts?

I am praying for this to get true.

😂😂😂 ADA/HAL, wish they work on ongoing project, let alone secret, this is definitely a single engine jet, only secret project that I could think of is SU-75 but that doesn't have canards, defenitely not Rafale as the Canards in this picture is slightly angled unlike it is angled in Rafale or EF Typhoon that have angled canards, so this could be either Tejas MK2 or Gripen E.

 

[Spectator]

I literally saw these satellite images a year ago in Google Earth
whatever it is, it's been there for a long time

 

[tipoo2]

Most likely a prop for ground crew training or else a decoy, but it is more interesting to speculate and Bareilly/Trisul Airbase is said to have the largest known underground hangar in Asia, an ISI spy was arrested there a few years back trying to find more information about it, and the Air Force bought some land around it. If the first flight of Tejas MK2 is still happening this next year, it should be approaching something looking like a plane by now.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Rafale is twin engine..this looks like single engine plane. The nose is too pointed to be Tejas. The wing is not double delta like Tejas. So this is a mockup of some imaginary plane.the cockpit looks like rafale and there is no refueling probe. Wing does not have double delta of a rafale or Tejas type. It may be a x plane.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s always good to make your enemy think hard about the capabilities you have and deception is essential in psychological warfare and for counter intelligence.