The Need and History of Rafale Aircraft

Background

• Pulwama Attack (February 27, 2019): Pakistani Air Force shot down Indian pilot Abhinandan's aircraft and captured the pilot.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Statement: If Rafale had been there, the results would have been different.

2025 Incident

• April 22, 2025: Militant attack in Pahalgam, 26 civilians killed.
• India-Pakistan Relations: Tensions between the two countries escalated.
• Indian Counter-Attack: Rafale and Russian aircraft fired SCALP and HAMMER missiles.
• Outcome: The Indian Air Force suffered losses, and Pakistan targeted Indian aircraft with Chinese J10C aircraft.

History of Rafale Aircraft

• 1970s: France decided to replace its old aircraft.
• Multinational Project: Separated from the Eurofighter Typhoon project, France designed its own star.
• Prepared by Dassault Aviation: Rafale M was included in the French Navy in 2004.
• Various Types: Rafale B (two-seater) and Rafale C (single-seater) included in 2006.

Indian Rafale Deal

• 2007: Need felt for 126 multi-role combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
• 2012: Under the Congress government, French Rafale was chosen as the best option.
• 2015: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new deal with France.
• 2016: New deal worth 7.87 billion euros included 36 Rafale aircraft.
• Controversy:
  • Increase in aircraft price.
  • Technology transfer chosen for Reliance instead of HAL.
• Supreme Court Decision (2018): No irregularities found in the deal.

Rafale vs J10C Comparison

• Rafale: Twin-engine, multi-role aircraft, 4.5 generation.
• J10C: Single-engine, multi-role aircraft, 4.5 generation.
• Speed and Range: J10C's speed is greater than Rafale's.
• Missile Range: PL15 missile range exceeds Rafale's Meteor missiles.
• Cost: J10C is less expensive, Rafale is more expensive.

Conclusion

• Role of the Pilot: Pilot capability is crucial for aircraft performance.
• Challenges for Indian Air Force: Pakistani pilots targeted Indian aircraft without suffering losses.
• Controversial Reports: Questions on the capabilities of Indian aircraft operations.