The Rafales were intended to operate as the Technological Edge of the Indian Air Force. While the Su-30MKI is officially the Front line Fighter, Indians still outsource sub-systems to the Israelis and the French, and its limited availability left the IAF in a bind.
Indian wanted a technological show stopper that would have at least 75% availability (per the contract) and certain "India Specific enhancements". They have hinted at 13-14 India Specific enhancements beyond the modern weapons Systems.
Averaging over 47 Million Euros per plane for these enhancements, A lot of what they want is planned Rafale Upgrades anyway. Its dumb they just didn't build a modern factory to make the planes, and wait for the upgrades to mature. Also they probably cobbled together their requirements by looking at what the other MRCA contenders offered and required the Dassault Company to add those design elements to the Rafale.
What do you think the 13-14 "Enhancements" are? This is what I have found so far:
1. Radar Enhancement (Ga-A or Ga-N Aesa ?)
2. Israeli helmet-mounted displays
3. Low-band Jammers
4. Towed Decoy Systems
5. Engine capability for "cold Start" from High Altitude regions (APU?)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...ofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
6. Infra Red Search and Track (IRST) sensor
7. Communications Upgrades
("Besides, more updated communication systems are to be fitted onboard the new Rafale, which will require a change to the airframe itself as a new sensor will be attached.")
economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65803192.cms?
utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
I also suspect the Following:
8. Development of the Sensor Fusion to match those exhibited on the Gripen.
9. Avionics Upgrade to match those of the Gripen NG.
10. An Enhancement to the Auto GCAS (Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System)
11. Conformal Fuel Tanks for Longer Strike Range for the Nuclear Role.
12. Super-Cruise Engines for Longer Range at Supersonic Speeds
13. Retractable Refueling Probe and other Structural Enhancements to lower RCS
14. Enhancement to Night Vision Capabilities
15. An Upgraded Targeting Pod
16. Opening up the Architecture to allow upgrading the Software Frequently and easily to enhance the aircrafts ability to detect and engage enemy forces more easily.
The enhancement of the air frame for a special pod mentioned in one of the articles above , I suspect is and Israeli EW Pod, which can be cutting edge, depending on what is exported to India.
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I don't bring up these possible upgrades to praise the Indians but outline the threat profile the PAF and the entire Pakistani Military-Industrial Complex will have to plan to counter.
PAF can study developing a slightly enlarged JF-17 with stealth Features and powered by the WS-15 (high thrust supercruising engines with APU units) when that engine comes out, as part of the AZM Project.
http://www.ccnovel.com/55345.html
Going down the path of the Gripen NG shows how the latest Sub-Systems inside a decent enough air frame will be enough to allow the best pilot training to win the day. (PAF can already buy world class HMD Helmets, Modern Avionics, IRST and Night Vision cameras, and Stealth Enhancements (RAM Paint) from China)
It can wait till the Chinese develop affordable exportable:
1. Ga-N Aesa Radar on a Swash plate
2. Jam proof high bandwidth Comms
3. Sensor Fusion
4. Auto GCAS
5. Low-band Ga-N Jammers
6. Towed-Decoy Systems
7. Better Open Architecture Software Upgrades to save on Flight Testing like SAAB Does (Although they may have already adopted this technique)
https://gripenblogs.com/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1945
