i cant say a lot about indian Rafales, its not Dassault politics to communicate on clients requirements, so each time i ask smthing its like talking to a wall.
About the just posted photo, the interesting part is the opening of 3rd wing station.
F3R standard officially launched, 5th tranche announced
http://translate.google.com/translate?client=tmpg&hl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fportail-aviation.blogspot.fr%2F2014%2F01%2Fle-rafale-f3r-sur-les-rails.html&langpair=fr|en
About foruming and my supposed animosity towards Mr Jon Lake, here is the reason : Pete Collins has flown Tornado F2 ; GR1 ; GR4, Kai T50, M346, F16B, Mirage 2000...(as its gonna be released in Air Fan this month i can dislose it). So much for people who criticized his knowledge of modern FBW...
Sancho, we don't know what partnerships are offered, and F3R standard are already defined and funded (or so). Partnership would be about F4 Std.
About the weapon case, it is a personal communication of a Dassault vice president (good restaurant btw ;)) ).
About the article, are you sure we are...