Indian MoD chooses France & approves purchase of 26 Rafale M.

According to information published by the Indian government on July 13, 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, has endorsed three significant proposals.
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French Dassault Rafale M fighter aircraft. (Picture source: French MoD)

One of the significant approvals includes the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to procure 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, including associated equipment, weapons, simulators, spare parts, documentation, crew training, and logistical support from the French Government.

Another significant approval granted by the DAC is the procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under the Buy (Indian) category. These submarines will be constructed domestically by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

Rafale-M

The Rafale M is designed for a broad range of missions, including air superiority, interdiction, reconnaissance, and airborne nuclear deterrent duties, providing the Indian Navy with considerable versatility and operational flexibility. This versatility allows the Indian Navy to conduct a broad array of missions using a single type of aircraft, simplifying logistics, maintenance, and training.

In comparison with the F-18, the Rafale M offers several advantages. With its twin SNECMA M 88-2 engines, the Rafale M has a higher thrust-to-weight ratio, resulting in a superior climb rate, acceleration, and maneuverability. This becomes crucial in dogfight scenarios where agility can tip the scales in favor of victory.

The Rafale M also offers an advanced sensor and avionics suite. The RBE2-AA active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar equipped on the Rafale M has been praised for its detection range, tracking capabilities, and resistance to electronic jamming. This makes the Rafale M a better choice for operations in contested air environments, where advanced detection and electronic warfare capabilities are paramount.

Moreover, the Rafale M has a smaller radar cross-section and infrared signature, which enhances survivability by making it harder for adversaries to detect.

In terms of weaponry, the Rafale M can carry a wide variety of ordnance, including air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles, as well as a nuclear missile.

Technical data

Physically, the aircraft is 50 feet and 1 inch long, with a wingspan of 35.76 inches. It offers a wing area of approximately 495.14 square feet and stands at 17 feet and 6 inches in height.

The Rafale M, when empty, weighs 22,748 pounds. It can handle a maximum weight of 52,911 pounds, which includes a maximum ordnance load of 21,000 pounds. The maximum payload of the aircraft is 30,000 pounds.

In terms of performance, the Rafale M can reach a maximum speed of 1,473 mph and can operate up to an altitude of 50,000 feet. It has a normal operating range of 1,000 nautical miles.