He is just happy Rafale got the deal
F-35 is presently in a different dimension altogether. Especially when it comes to the sensor fusion and avionics.
MMRCA 2.0 - Updates and Discussions
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A ~1000tr module, Gan aesa with 15kw peak can be considered dynamically equal or in same league performance wise to a ~1600+ tr modules, 35Kw peak, GaAs in most modern metrics we use to judge the performance of the fighter jet radar.
Tho that's assuming rafale F4's radar is GAN based.
its not GAN it GAAS. the Gan version for the rafale is for the f5
Source : Defence secretary ( watch the interview above )
When the Defence Secretary said ‘full authority' he probably meant we can add our own weapons and systems to Rafale.
It doesn't mean we will have full access to mission computer...no OEM gives that & Yk it very well.
Yes, F.5: with the RBE2-XG radar, an evolution of the RBE2. It will, in fact, be a completely new and totally disruptive payload. This radar would not only be equipped with new gallium nitride (GaN) #T/R modules, but also with a new digital architecture that would allow it to increase its performance tenfold and become a true multi-function sensor/effector. Several sources of information allow us to have a more precise idea of the capabilities that the RBE2-XG would bring to the Rafale F5. Communications from Thales' competitors, such as Raytheon, Northrop, and Saab in the field of airborne radars equipped with GaN modules and a digital architecture, mention increased performance (70% increase in range and resolution, five times greater coverage) to allow non-stealth aircraft to increase their firing capabilities. But Douglas J. Carlson, vice president of Macom, the American supplier of GaN modules for military radars, discussed even more disruptive new features in a 2015 issue of Military Embedded Systems magazine. These include a multi-functional antenna capability thanks to the vast bandwidth it processes. While this capability can withstand adversary jamming tactics with a tenfold increase in frequency hopping speed, and therefore stealth of its emissions, the multi-functionality would primarily allow for the simultaneous performance of several tasks, such as air and ground situational awareness, highly directional (and therefore difficult to intercept) high-speed data links with winged drones and ISR platforms, or even electronic attack missions from a safe distance thanks to the power of the transmitted signal and its shaping. But the level of miniaturization offered by these new antennas would also make it possible to integrate these capabilities into remote platforms, such as drones or missiles, to create a truly distributed, high-speed network between weapon systems, allowing its operators to conduct high-value missions in the most contested areas. (Air & Cosmos magazine)
F.4 Standards: The Rafale F4 benefits from an overhaul of its RBE2 AESA radar system. The main advances are:
1. New GMTI (GroundMoving Target Indicator) detection modes: enables the detection and tracking of moving ground targets, a capability that was absent on the F3R.
Ultra-HD: provides very high-resolution radar imagery over long distances, improving terrain reconnaissance.
SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar): improves high-resolution ground-to-radar mapping, already tested on the F4.1.
2. Software and Hardware Enhancements
Mode interleaving: optimized through increased computing power, making the radar more responsive and resistant to interference.
ECCM software updates: enhance the radar's ability to operate in the face of sophisticated jamming.
Open architecture: modernized for greater resistance to cyberattacks.
3. SPECTRA and Other Sensors
SPECTRA (Electronic Listening & Jamming): upgraded to GaN-based AESA technology, improving frequency agility, angular accuracy, detection speed, and transmission power.
Return of an IR channel on the OSF: reintroduces a previously discontinued capability, requested in particular by the Indian Air Force.
4. Terrain Detection (SDT)
The radar's SDT allows the Rafale to "see" the terrain passing beneath it, optimizing flight profiles at very low altitudes and high speeds.
5. Interface and Ergonomics
The cockpit's side screens have been enlarged and equipped with a touchscreen interface, while maintaining the existing ergonomics.
A helmet display is planned, although its integration is still in progress.
Thanks after paying so much and buying 150+ platforms, if we can't use our payload/ minor upgrades .. we ll have shell out even more in its life time ..
Hope Engine deal also get signed together.
There is a section that has moved up a notch and has started comparing it to F-35 and the J-35 as a whole/package. Its moot comparing it to them. The same goes for stacking the PLAAF against the IAF at every other turn.
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If 150 Rafale were enough to contender against the chinese, The Americans would not be having a headache right now.
We are long way from China when it comes to matching Fighter Aircrafts. And it will remain so in the near future, untill AMCA ecosystem matures.
Going by current scenario, in a conflict with China.. our Air force will mainly adopt a defensive posture, especially to protect assets like Awecs. While Army will be the one to adopt a more offensive posture working as a threat. That includes our troops, Weapons, Ground systems and Surface to surface weapons.
That's why we need LCA in big numbers. Rafale can work to make a quick work of PA, therefore effectively nuteralise the major threat from pakistani side.
Untill our 5th+ Gen ecosystem matures, its futile to compare with J-20 or J-35. To defend against the threat, we need good Air Defense System. Fortunately, that's one area that hasn't been ignored across govts and administrations.
Above are also the reasons for which acquisition of 1-2 squadrons of imported 5th Gen doesn't make sense.
We should honestly forget about China atleast for next 50years.
Finance:
Chinas GDP is 5x of India. But even that does not give the actual picture.
India’s govt spending is ~17% of GDP. China is 33%. Some Europe states(Germany) its almost 50%. So our govt is actually quite poor.
Chinas govt spending is 10x compared to us.
Skill:
They have spent decades and billions on weapons/engines that is on top of beg/borrow/steal of tech they have done for decades before.
They have a huge manufacturing base now. Best in the world better than rest of the world combined
Political:
Because of 1 party policy they can make strategic decisions with very long term vision in centuries. We are stuck in the ladki behen era of voter pleasing.
We need to do what they did before 2000. Keep the head down work on economy.
Only keep a defensive posture. As I doubt there will be active war with China. It will only be via proxy/Pakistanis.
(Even if there is we will only ever be able to stall with asymmetric warfare and US surely will get in on this passively anyway)
With that in mind even Rafale is an overkill. Its just that HAL has fcuked up so bad that there is no option now.
The Rafale procurement has literally nothing to do with HAL or the Tejas Mk1A.
Missile integration isn't as straightforward as it sounds, and it becomes especially tougher when the radar isn't your own IP.
It's not easy as writing a few lines of code provided to you by your AI Chatbot plugin and it would work without a fuss.
Heck even Lockheed Martin is facing issues when it comes to F-35 TR-4.
Don't fall for the "Chinese are 10ft" story, PPP is what matters not nominal:
- According to the IMF’s October 2025 World Economic Outlook, China’s GDP is $41.02 trillion in 2025, versus $17.71 trillion for India. So little over 2x compared to 5x
- Historical World Bank data show China’s GDP was about ~$17T in 2014. So ~10yrs ahead, not 50
- Current economic outlook out of China is they're in a possible recession. Certainly everyone agrees their 5% growth story is all bunkum.
Doesn't mean India doesn't have it's work cut out. But economic forecast before all these FTAs already pegged India at 7% plus growth for the next 2-3 decades. All these FTAs will only provide tailwinds and increase the momentum.
Pourquoi l'Inde mise tout sur le Rafale français
40 milliards de dollars : la commande indienne de Rafale pulvérise tous les records du secteur de la défense.
lessentieldeleco.fr
India reached a decisive milestone on Thursday, 12 February, towards the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets. The Indian Defence Acquisition Council granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) under the MRFA program, for an estimated US$40 billion. This green light paves the way for commercial and technical negotiations between Paris and New Delhi, without yet constituting a firm contract for Dassault Aviation. The announcement comes days before Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India, from February 17 to 19, with the minimum objective of signing a framework agreement or a memorandum of understanding.
96 Rafale assembled in India, 18 delivered from France
The rate of indigenization would start at 30% for the first devices assembled locally, to exceed 60% at the end of the contract. Indian analysts consider this objective insufficient in view of the ambition of industrial sovereignty, some advocating for a minimum of 80% of local content. The previous one does not encourage optimism: during the first contract of 36 Rafale, the audits showed that Dassault had partially revised downwards its initial promises of technology transfer and local fallout.Limited technology transfers: New Delhi without access to source code
New Delhi will not have access to the source code of Rafale’s main electronic and electronic warfare systems. This restriction limits the Indian ability to integrate certain sensors or weapons alone without the support of Paris and its industrialists. The Indian government should this time demand quantified commitments in terms of jobs, local content and engineering transfer, with stricter follow-up than in the first contract.The MRFA program replaces the former MMRCA tender of 126 aircraft, abandoned after years of blockages on industrial sharing and liability issues with HAL. The choice of a government-to-government agreement is intended to avoid these bureaucratic pitfalls. Indian commentators, however, warn of a risk of prolonged dependence if engineering transfers remain limited to the assembly and manufacture of structures.
France buys Pinaka rocket launchers in return
France is seriously studying the multi-rocket launcher system Pinaka, developed by the Indian DRDO, to contribute to the renewal of its LRM fleet. This choice questions some of the experts: the Pinaka remains less efficient than other systems available in terms of scope and precision. Its 120 km ammunition is still in the development phase, while the French army evokes the needs of at least 150 km.For several analysts, Pinaka’s interest is less due to its current performance than to its political value as a pledge given in New Delhi in a negotiation where India claims a direct industrial return on its major contracts. Paris emphasizes the fact that, unlike other suppliers, France does not condition its arms deliveries to extraterritorial sanctions regimes.
So, an exchange basically of interests.
Interesting. What kind of weapons? SPICE, Air LORA, Crystal Maze etc. should be out I guess (or their integration will be a costly affair if ever needed). So, the first contract was not as contested as previously thought.