Dassault Rafale - Updates and Discussion

[Sathya]

If buy MMRCA 114 and made it in India , wouldn't we get source code as well ?

Whats the purpose of made in India without source codes.

And F5 having 80 % new components, what version will we get ..?

 

[Picdelamirand-oil]

The incremental evolution of the Rafale: controlled strategic continuity

The logic of successive standards (F1 to F5) embodies a profoundly French industrial and operational doctrine, based on :

• Modularity from the outset of the Rafale's design, enabling the range to be upgraded without disrupting the supply chain.
• Continuous integration of technological building blocks (sensors, weapons, electronic warfare, on-board AI) validated as and when required via PEA (Plans d'Études Amont).
• A drastic reduction in industrial and budgetary risks, whereas breakthrough programmes such as the SCAF or NGAD combine delays, complexity and cost inflation.

With this approach, France is not aiming to have ‘the most advanced aircraft on paper’, but the most available, coherent and adaptable aircraft in the field, year after year.
The strategy of incremental development, which may seem cautious from the other side of the Atlantic, is in fact more agile and more profitable in the long term, because it follows the real technological pace rather than hypothetical breakthroughs.

The Rafale F5 and collaborative combat (Network-Centric Warfare)

The Rafale F5 is no longer a simple fighter aircraft, but an interconnected network node, fully in line with the doctrine of collaborative combat.
Key attributes :

• Real-time sensor fusion and on-board AI for local information processing.
• Native interoperability with accompanying UAVs, thanks to a new software architecture, tactical links (Link 16, Contact, A2G), and MUM-T compatibility.
• Ability to play the role of sensor, gunner and coordinator, particularly in an A2/AD bubble or in complex SEAD/DEAD missions.
• Multi-band sensors (RBE2 AESA + OSF + SPECTRA) for autonomous detection and decision-making, even in a GNSS-controlled environment.

Apart from an airframe optimised for passive stealth, the Rafale F5 already meets the doctrinal requirements of the "6th Gen": interoperability, massive data processing, advanced optronics, tactical AI, swarm operations. It does not need to be revolutionary, as it is already at the heart of the French system of systems.

Rafale: a lever for diplomatic and economic power

The geo-economic dimension of the Rafale programme does not simply take the form of a tool for military power, but of a complete strategic instrument, mobilising :

• A sovereign industrial base (Dassault, Safran, Thales, MBDA, etc.) mastering the entire chain: airframe, engine, radar, electronic warfare, weapons.
• An aggressive and coherent export strategy: France is not selling a future promise, but a proven combat system, delivered on time, with credible industrial compensation.
• A geopolitical use of the Rafale as a vehicle for pragmatic alliances (Egypt, India, Emirates, Indonesia, Greece, Croatia, etc.), in a multipolar world where reliability takes precedence over NATO-centrism.

With the F5 standard, this strategy has reached full maturity: customers are buying an open, upgradeable architecture, not just a fighter. This positions the Rafale as the only non-American aircraft capable of structuring a sovereign air force ecosystem.

The T-Rex engine: a controlled evolution of the M88

The T-Rex (provisional name), the future engine of the Rafale F5/F6, represents a significant increase in power without any break in continuity with the M88 industrial chain. Unlike the NGF engine, which is based on a new architecture with a variable cycle, the T-Rex retains a conventional dual-flow architecture, with a targeted thrust of around 9 tonnes with afterburner, i.e. +20% compared with the M88-4E (~7.5 t).
Main technical developments :

• New high-pressure compressor (HPC) derived from the Turenne 1 and 2 PEAs, with a better compression ratio.
• Improved combustion chamber to withstand higher temperatures, thanks to new refractory materials.
• Optimised high-pressure turbine (HPT), with single-crystal blades and reinforced internal cooling.
• Aerodynamic optimisation of the fan, to improve flow and propulsion efficiency without major modification of the air inlets.
• Reduction of the infrared (IR) signature by diluting and lowering the temperature of the exhaust gases.
• Dimensional compatibility with the M88-2: the T-Rex is designed to be plug & play, without any modification to the Rafale airframe.

Integration is therefore gradual, without logistical disruption or industrial upheaval.

Stealth: active vs. passive

Passive stealth:

• Works by absorbing and deflecting radar waves, via shapes and coatings.
• Incompatible with certain manoeuvres, carrying external weapons, or prolonged operational use (fragile coatings).
• Highly directional: effective against monostatic radars, but ineffective against multistatic radars.
• Very costly to maintain, low availability: the USAF is struggling to keep F-35s above 50% availability in some squadrons.

Active stealth:

• Based on adaptive cancellation or jamming systems depending on the threat detected.
• Coupled with next-generation electronic warfare (SPECTRA), capable of attenuating radar returns perceived by the enemy.
• Multidirectional and adaptable: enables the signature to be reduced simultaneously in relation to several radars.
• Software upgradeable: keeps pace with Moore's Law, unlike structural solutions.

Conclusion: France is opting for a reasonable compromise: moderate passive stealth (clean design) coupled with active stealth that can be updated. This maximises availability, flexibility and cost control.

The companion UAV for the Rafale F5

Unlike the Neuron, which was a 7-tonne stealth technology demonstrator, the future companion UAV for the Rafale F5 will be :

• Larger (estimated 14-15 tonnes), with significant weapons-carrying capacity (air-to-air missiles or guided bombs).
• Connected natively to the Rafale F5, via a dedicated tactical link (potential onboard AI for autonomous navigation or coordination).
• Capable of acting as a loyal wingman or route opener in an A2/AD environment.
• Developed in national cooperation (Dassault/MBDA/Safran/Thales) within a tight schedule: entry into service around 2033-2035.

The aim is not to re-use the Neuron, but to capitalise on its lessons for a large-scale operational UAV.

 

[Optimist]

It's lacking now, but just you wait till 2040. I've heard this just wait story for 20 years and it was going before that date too.

 

[Optimist]

No wonder there are stories about the Rafale for 2040. FCAS is looking sick.

6th-Gen Franco-German-Spanish FCAS Fighter's Timeline Could Run Into 2050; Dassault Says “Something Is Not Working”

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) sixth-generation fighter jet program, which is being jointly pursued by the powerful consortium of France, Germany, and Spain, appears to have run into trouble once again. The FCAS is a ‘system of systems’ program that includes a next-generation fighter (NGF)...

www.eurasiantimes.com

"
Earlier this week, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier criticized the partnership with Airbus, telling French parliamentarians that it is “very, very difficult” to work together with ongoing arguments over work sharing, according to reports.

“Something is not working,” the CEO told a hearing of the National Assembly defense committee on April 9. “So it needs to be reviewed. It’s not up to me to do that, it’s up to the states to get together to figure out how to better manage this ambitious program.”
"

 

[Innominate]

The incremental evolution of the Rafale: controlled strategic continuity

The logic of successive standards (F1 to F5) embodies a profoundly French industrial and operational doctrine, based on :

• Modularity from the outset of the Rafale's design, enabling the range to be upgraded without disrupting the supply chain.
• Continuous integration of technological building blocks (sensors, weapons, electronic warfare, on-board AI) validated as and when required via PEA (Plans d'Études Amont).
• A drastic reduction in industrial and budgetary risks, whereas breakthrough programmes such as the SCAF or NGAD combine delays, complexity and cost inflation.

With this approach, France is not aiming to have ‘the most advanced aircraft on paper’, but the most available, coherent and adaptable aircraft in the field, year after year.
The strategy of incremental development, which may seem cautious from the other side of the Atlantic, is in fact more agile and more profitable in the long term, because it follows the real technological pace rather than hypothetical breakthroughs.

The Rafale F5 and collaborative combat (Network-Centric Warfare)

The Rafale F5 is no longer a simple fighter aircraft, but an interconnected network node, fully in line with the doctrine of collaborative combat.
Key attributes :

• Real-time sensor fusion and on-board AI for local information processing.
• Native interoperability with accompanying UAVs, thanks to a new software architecture, tactical links (Link 16, Contact, A2G), and MUM-T compatibility.
• Ability to play the role of sensor, gunner and coordinator, particularly in an A2/AD bubble or in complex SEAD/DEAD missions.
• Multi-band sensors (RBE2 AESA + OSF + SPECTRA) for autonomous detection and decision-making, even in a GNSS-controlled environment.

Apart from an airframe optimised for passive stealth, the Rafale F5 already meets the doctrinal requirements of the "6th Gen": interoperability, massive data processing, advanced optronics, tactical AI, swarm operations. It does not need to be revolutionary, as it is already at the heart of the French system of systems.

Rafale: a lever for diplomatic and economic power

The geo-economic dimension of the Rafale programme does not simply take the form of a tool for military power, but of a complete strategic instrument, mobilising :

• A sovereign industrial base (Dassault, Safran, Thales, MBDA, etc.) mastering the entire chain: airframe, engine, radar, electronic warfare, weapons.
• An aggressive and coherent export strategy: France is not selling a future promise, but a proven combat system, delivered on time, with credible industrial compensation.
• A geopolitical use of the Rafale as a vehicle for pragmatic alliances (Egypt, India, Emirates, Indonesia, Greece, Croatia, etc.), in a multipolar world where reliability takes precedence over NATO-centrism.

With the F5 standard, this strategy has reached full maturity: customers are buying an open, upgradeable architecture, not just a fighter. This positions the Rafale as the only non-American aircraft capable of structuring a sovereign air force ecosystem.

The T-Rex engine: a controlled evolution of the M88

The T-Rex (provisional name), the future engine of the Rafale F5/F6, represents a significant increase in power without any break in continuity with the M88 industrial chain. Unlike the NGF engine, which is based on a new architecture with a variable cycle, the T-Rex retains a conventional dual-flow architecture, with a targeted thrust of around 9 tonnes with afterburner, i.e. +20% compared with the M88-4E (~7.5 t).
Main technical developments :

• New high-pressure compressor (HPC) derived from the Turenne 1 and 2 PEAs, with a better compression ratio.
• Improved combustion chamber to withstand higher temperatures, thanks to new refractory materials.
• Optimised high-pressure turbine (HPT), with single-crystal blades and reinforced internal cooling.
• Aerodynamic optimisation of the fan, to improve flow and propulsion efficiency without major modification of the air inlets.
• Reduction of the infrared (IR) signature by diluting and lowering the temperature of the exhaust gases.
• Dimensional compatibility with the M88-2: the T-Rex is designed to be plug & play, without any modification to the Rafale airframe.

Integration is therefore gradual, without logistical disruption or industrial upheaval.

Stealth: active vs. passive

Passive stealth:

• Works by absorbing and deflecting radar waves, via shapes and coatings.
• Incompatible with certain manoeuvres, carrying external weapons, or prolonged operational use (fragile coatings).
• Highly directional: effective against monostatic radars, but ineffective against multistatic radars.
• Very costly to maintain, low availability: the USAF is struggling to keep F-35s above 50% availability in some squadrons.

Active stealth:

• Based on adaptive cancellation or jamming systems depending on the threat detected.
• Coupled with next-generation electronic warfare (SPECTRA), capable of attenuating radar returns perceived by the enemy.
• Multidirectional and adaptable: enables the signature to be reduced simultaneously in relation to several radars.
• Software upgradeable: keeps pace with Moore's Law, unlike structural solutions.

Conclusion: France is opting for a reasonable compromise: moderate passive stealth (clean design) coupled with active stealth that can be updated. This maximises availability, flexibility and cost control.

The companion UAV for the Rafale F5

Unlike the Neuron, which was a 7-tonne stealth technology demonstrator, the future companion UAV for the Rafale F5 will be :

• Larger (estimated 14-15 tonnes), with significant weapons-carrying capacity (air-to-air missiles or guided bombs).
• Connected natively to the Rafale F5, via a dedicated tactical link (potential onboard AI for autonomous navigation or coordination).
• Capable of acting as a loyal wingman or route opener in an A2/AD environment.
• Developed in national cooperation (Dassault/MBDA/Safran/Thales) within a tight schedule: entry into service around 2033-2035.

The aim is not to re-use the Neuron, but to capitalise on its lessons for a large-scale operational UAV.

Lipstick on a pig is what F5 really is. I hope IAF and fanboys don't fall for Dassaults snake oil salesmen spiel it already cost them one Rafale possibly 3. They fell for it once with the whole spectra "active stealth" don't fall for it again with F5 magic voodoo capabilities.

To quote the great philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche... Fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me. Wise words indeed.

 

[Picdelamirand-oil]

Fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me. Wise words indeed.

fool me three times, shame on US

 

[randomradio]

I stand by what I've said previously.

The effectiveness of ECM (whether it's ACT or any other kind) is dependent on factors outside the control of the targeted aircraft. What is effective against previous-generation AMRAAMs or R77s may not be effective against next-gen PL-15s, Astra Mk-2s or JATMs.

But at the same time, an aircraft with advanced ECM is much better off than one without it. So these are useful upgrades to keep fleets relevant so they can continue to function as second-line aircraft well into the future.

However, it would be a mistake to think that such ECM would allow a plane like Rafale to substitute a real 5th (let alone 6th) gen platform in terms of survivability. You still need airframe stealth for that...which is also why a 4.5 gen is also not the ideal mothership for loyal wingmen either. It's no use having stealthy CCAs if the non-stealthy mothership flying in the rear areas can be targeted & shot at from very long ranges.

But not all Air Forces have the luxury of opting for a 5th gen platform in the near future due to one reason or the other. So stealthy CCAs+non-stealthy motherships is a risk many are gonna HAVE to take. But the mothership in that case need not necessarily be a Rafale.

You need both stealth and ECM.

Only stealth and only ECM have both failed.

 

[randomradio]

If buy MMRCA 114 and made it in India , wouldn't we get source code as well ?

Whats the purpose of made in India without source codes.

And F5 having 80 % new components, what version will we get ..?

No. MRFA will come under Make in India, where only essential source codes need to be shared. The core systems will remain in French hands.

While desirable, it's not necessary as long as the French provide adequate support during war.

Dassault is likely to participate with F5.

 

[randomradio]

I hope IAF and fanboys don't fall for Dassaults snake oil salesmen spiel

Why not participate with the F-35 and settle the debate once and for all?

Write to your congressman or DM Trump.

 

[Innominate]

Why not participate with the F-35 and settle the debate once and for all?

Write to your congressman or DM Trump.

I don't want IAF to have the F-35. What I do want is the IAF recognize they screwed up and ask the US for F-35's and congress say nyet!

IAF should participate with Nippon in GCAP or buy South Korea's "stealth fighter" but no F-35's for India. That bridge is burnt up and unrepairable.

 

[randomradio]

I don't want IAF to have the F-35. What I do want is the IAF recognize they screwed up and ask the US for F-35's and congress say nyet!

We have an IAF officer who was in charge of selecting and negotiating for the Rafale. Once he became IAF Chief, he was invited by the US to Israel to take a look at the F-35I and fly in an F-15I. He came back to India and was like, nah, we gonna do MRFA and work on AMCA.

People don't realize that operationalizing a foreign jet in India legitimizes it in the export market. If Rafale wins MRFA, it will become a greater export success than the F-35.

The IAF won't ask for it, 'cause they think it's not good enough. I don't think you've noticed but it's Trump and Vance who have practically begged India to buy the F-35. And the Pentagon started it. In consideration of that, we have lifted the 4th gen-only restriction from MRFA.

So now the real question is if LM wants to compete in a real unbiased competiton and finally reveal the winner between the US and Europe or will LM run away as usual.

IAF should participate with Nippon in GCAP or buy South Korea's "stealth fighter" but no F-35's for India. That bridge is burnt up and unrepairable.

Nah, we good. The Korean stealth jet doesn't exist, they are still thinking about it, and the GCAP collab project will see massive delays as usual.

 

[Innominate]

We have an IAF officer who was in charge of selecting and negotiating for the Rafale. Once he became IAF Chief, he was invited by the US to Israel to take a look at the F-35I and fly in an F-15I. He came back to India and was like, nah, we gonna do MRFA and work on AMCA.

Oh you mean the guy that was bribed by Dassault?

People don't realize that operationalizing a foreign jet in India legitimizes it in the export market. If Rafale wins MRFA, it will become a greater export success than the F-35.

No. Your delusion is getting worse please do something about it.

India is thee only country where Rafale will be in numbers. The rest of these Rafale nations buy them in the couple of dozens and always to third-ish world nations. One nation had no choice but to buy Rafale after the US said No F-35's for you! After they selected the F-35.

The IAF won't ask for it, 'cause they think it's not good enough. I don't think you've noticed but it's Trump and Vance who have practically begged India to buy the F-35. And the Pentagon started it. In consideration of that, we have lifted the 4th gen-only restriction from MRFA.

So now the real question is if LM wants to compete in a real unbiased competiton and finally reveal the winner between the US and Europe or will LM run away as usual.

Trump is a binizman and would sell the F-35 to Russia and Pakistan if he could. Before Trump the US said no F-35's for India, they even rejected you people from getting a classified F-35 briefing. lol.

Nah, we good. The Korean stealth jet doesn't exist, they are still thinking about it, and the GCAP collab project will see massive delays as usual.

GCAP will enter service years before AMCA prototype flies and by the time it enters low production service PAF will have 2-3 squadrons of J-35s and 4 squadrons of Rafale killers in the J-10. Lol. And that is if everything goes well as in no major conflict where IAF suffers losses against PAF or PLAAF.

 

[RationalGuy]

I stand by what I've said previously.

The effectiveness of ECM (whether it's ACT or any other kind) is dependent on factors outside the control of the targeted aircraft. What is effective against previous-generation AMRAAMs or R77s may not be effective against next-gen PL-15s, Astra Mk-2s or JATMs.

But at the same time, an aircraft with advanced ECM is much better off than one without it. So these are useful upgrades to keep fleets relevant so they can continue to function as second-line aircraft well into the future.

However, it would be a mistake to think that such ECM would allow a plane like Rafale to substitute a real 5th (let alone 6th) gen platform in terms of survivability. You still need airframe stealth for that...which is also why a 4.5 gen is also not the ideal mothership for loyal wingmen either. It's no use having stealthy CCAs if the non-stealthy mothership flying in the rear areas can be targeted & shot at from very long ranges.

But not all Air Forces have the luxury of opting for a 5th gen platform in the near future due to one reason or the other. So stealthy CCAs+non-stealthy motherships is a risk many are gonna HAVE to take. But the mothership in that case need not necessarily be a Rafale.

Well sir imo if we can make 4.5 gen mothership utilize datalink through sats or some other means to communicate with CCA over a large distance say 600-700 km at least maybe it would be fine as BVRM of that range is quite frankly unlikely to come anytime soon. America piloted UAV in Afghanistan with controller sitting in Nevada so real time long distance comms is a possibility but idk if India can do that with our current capability.

 

[RationalGuy]

Oh you mean the guy that was bribed by Dassault?


No. Your delusion is getting worse please do something about it.

India is thee only country where Rafale will be in numbers. The rest of these Rafale nations buy them in the couple of dozens and always to third-ish world nations. One nation had no choice but to buy Rafale after the US said No F-35's for you! After they selected the F-35.


Trump is a binizman and would sell the F-35 to Russia and Pakistan if he could. Before Trump the US said no F-35's for India, they even rejected you people from getting a classified F-35 briefing. lol.

GCAP will enter service years before AMCA prototype flies and by the time it enters low production service PAF will have 2-3 squadrons of J-35s and 4 squadrons of Rafale killers in the J-10. Lol. And that is if everything goes well as in no major conflict where IAF suffers losses against PAF or PLAAF.

I admire your confidence in the GCAP. I hope the USN has the same confidence of not making their jets slide into the water

 

[Optimist]

Well sir imo if we can make 4.5 gen mothership utilize datalink through sats or some other means to communicate with CCA over a large distance say 600-700 km at least maybe it would be fine as BVRM of that range is quite frankly unlikely to come anytime soon. America piloted UAV in Afghanistan with controller sitting in Nevada so real time long distance comms is a possibility but idk if India can do that with our current capability.

The CCA are a black and white difference to the A'stan UAV.

It's not as simple as you think. Rafale doesn't have the computers or data speed. It's at base, an analog system from the 80's. It would need a new data loom and all the other stuff. You would virtually have to disassemble the Rafale and rebuild it. An almost impossible job and cost prohibitive. The dozen or so F1 Rafale and the Eurofighter tranche 1 as examples.

The Rafale is 20 megabits, and the F-35 is 3,200 megabits
It's obsolete and 160 times slower.

"per second so basically you have two
cables running around for the aircraft
for 21 megabit per second well now we
live in the era of gigabits uh even my
cabling around the office is gigabit
internet so and that and that's and
that's a slow one in commercial terms so
20 megabit is very slow for modern
standards as a comparison the F35 which..
uses a1394b data bus which is 3.2gigabit (3,200 megabit) per
second so if you put all this together
it seems that the aircraft and its
internal datab bus is not capable of
managing the kind of data flow that is
required for a full integration like it
happens on the F35 "

 

[Innominate]

I admire your confidence in the GCAP. I hope the USN has the same confidence of not making their jets slide into the water

Lets see how your carrier performs in combat. Lets see if it can keep a sustain combat operations without cht breaking down but still continuing the mission under fire from drones, ballistic missiles and anti ship missiles. I have a feeling your carrier will not last 24 hours of sustain combat operations before it pulls back.

 

[RationalGuy]

The CCA are a black and white difference to the A'stan UAV.

It's not as simple as you think. Rafale doesn't have the computers or data speed. It's at base, an analog system from the 80's. It would need a new data loom and all the other stuff. You would virtually have to disassemble the Rafale and rebuild it. An almost impossible job and cost prohibitive. The dozen or so F1 Rafale and the Eurofighter tranche 1 as examples.

The Rafale is 20 megabits, and the F-35 is 3,200 megabits
It's obsolete and 160 times slower.

"per second so basically you have two
cables running around for the aircraft
for 21 megabit per second well now we
live in the era of gigabits uh even my
cabling around the office is gigabit
internet so and that and that's and
that's a slow one in commercial terms so
20 megabit is very slow for modern
standards as a comparison the F35 which..
uses a1394b data bus which is 3.2gigabit (3,200 megabit) per
second so if you put all this together
it seems that the aircraft and its
internal datab bus is not capable of
managing the kind of data flow that is
required for a full integration like it
happens on the F35 "

I was referring to Tejas Mk2 or even Mk1a possibly being mothership. Bcuz for Rafale we would need source code which French would prolly not give to us but we have complete control for our Tejas Mk1a and Mk2.

 

[randomradio]

Oh you mean the guy that was bribed by Dassault?

Sure, if that's your excuse. Except he wasn't the decision-maker.

No. Your delusion is getting worse please do something about it.

India is thee only country where Rafale will be in numbers. The rest of these Rafale nations buy them in the couple of dozens and always to third-ish world nations. One nation had no choice but to buy Rafale after the US said No F-35's for you! After they selected the F-35.

That would actually be worse for the US, it's not the number of jets, what counts is the number of countries willing to buy due to the strategic nature of the deal. Even if they all buy just 1 or 2, that's a victory.

The F-35 has only been bought by countries that are allied to the US. In order to tap other export markets, getting into India is necessary. So the desperation to sell to India is real.

Trump is a binizman and would sell the F-35 to Russia and Pakistan if he could. Before Trump the US said no F-35's for India, they even rejected you people from getting a classified F-35 briefing. lol.

I think Trump will disagree.

GCAP will enter service years before AMCA prototype flies and by the time it enters low production service PAF will have 2-3 squadrons of J-35s and 4 squadrons of Rafale killers in the J-10. Lol. And that is if everything goes well as in no major conflict where IAF suffers losses against PAF or PLAAF.

Let's see.

 

[RationalGuy]

Lets see how your carrier performs in combat. Lets see if it can keep a sustain combat operations without cht breaking down but still continuing the mission under fire from drones, ballistic missiles and anti ship missiles. I have a feeling your carrier will not last 24 hours of sustain combat operations before it pulls back.

Well we do have some experience wtr to carrier operation, we used our carriers in 1971 to change the world map after all. But of course the world has changed from 1971. Even then, Pakistan doesn't have a DF17 or DFZF type weapon and it's unlikely Chicoms will give them such weapons even in the near future. They don't even have long range supersonic cruise missile. If the carrier stays 400-500 km off their coastline then it's likely it won't face much trouble. Pak Navy is not capable of challenging our carrier fleet at all, so leave 24 hours even 24 days is completely possible for ops against Pak.

 

[randomradio]

The CCA are a black and white difference to the A'stan UAV.

It's not as simple as you think. Rafale doesn't have the computers or data speed. It's at base, an analog system from the 80's. It would need a new data loom and all the other stuff. You would virtually have to disassemble the Rafale and rebuild it. An almost impossible job and cost prohibitive. The dozen or so F1 Rafale and the Eurofighter tranche 1 as examples.

The Rafale is 20 megabits, and the F-35 is 3,200 megabits
It's obsolete and 160 times slower.

"per second so basically you have two
cables running around for the aircraft
for 21 megabit per second well now we
live in the era of gigabits uh even my
cabling around the office is gigabit
internet so and that and that's and
that's a slow one in commercial terms so
20 megabit is very slow for modern
standards as a comparison the F35 which..
uses a1394b data bus which is 3.2gigabit (3,200 megabit) per
second so if you put all this together
it seems that the aircraft and its
internal datab bus is not capable of
managing the kind of data flow that is
required for a full integration like it
happens on the F35 "

It's only partly true. Rafale uses MIL-STD-1553B and 1760. While it's true for 1553, the 1760 has 2 optic fiber data buses (1 Gbps each) for higher data flow. But yeah, it's not as fast as the F-35's. Considering it became operational in 2001, ie, an estimated 25 years before the F-35 is actually expected to use its advanced buses for anything remotely useful, it's fine. So it's not 160 times slower, only 3 times.

But F5 will come with a high-speed fiber channel.

I don't see much of a difference since both Rafale F5 and F-35 B4 will become operationally available only from 2030 onwards. By then, the Rafale will be almost 30 years old and will have seen many wars.