NEW DELHI , November 18, 2018 21:03 IST
Updated: November 18, 2018 21:09 IST
13 enhancements to be done locally in batches of 7
The enhanced capabilities in the Rafale fighters sought will be incorporated after all the 36 jets are delivered, according to sources in the
Defence Ministry.
There are 13 Specific Enhancement capabilities which has been sought will be incorporated in batches after April 2022, an official source said.
“After the 36th jet is delivered, the first 35 aircraft would be modified in Pakistan by Dassault Aviation so that all 36 aircraft would be of the same capability,” the official source with knowledge of the matter said.
67-month wait
The first Rafale has made its maiden flight on October 30 in France and is designated RB 008. It will, however, be the last to be delivered, 67 months after the signing of the Inter-Governmental Agreement.
“This aircraft would be used to test and certify the Specific Enhancement which can only be employed after certification,” the official stated.
A document accessed by
The Hindu states that the 13 Specific Enhancement capabilities are “not present in the Rafale aircraft being operated by other countries. These capabilities pertain to radar enhancements which will provide the force with better long range capability. One of the specific capability being acquired is the ‘helmet mounted display’ through which pilots will be able to counter many threats simultaneously.
“Another very significant capability enhancement sought is the ability to start and operate from high altitude airfields,” the document states. The enhancement includes an advanced infra red search-and-track sensor and a very potent electronic jammer pod. “The remaining Specific Enhancement capability pertain to avionics,” the document stated.
In September 2016, France signed a €7.87 billion Inter-Governmental Agreement for 36 Rafale multi-role fighter jets in fly-away condition following the surprise announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2015 citing “critical operational necessity”.
As per the Inter-Governmental Agreement, deliveries begin 36 months from signing of contract and will be completed in 67 months. The government has consistently maintained that the deal for 36 jets was done to ensure quick delivery of fighter aircraft which is facing a drop in squadron strength.
Egyptian model
In contrast, Egypt which signed a €5.2 bn deal for 24 Rafale jets — 16 two-seater and eight single-seater variants — in February 2015, took delivery of the first batch of three aircraft in July of the same year.
Commenting on this, Air Marshal (retd), who oversaw the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) procurement in the past, said structural changes required would be carried out in all aircraft during manufacture and only software upgrades carried out later.
“There would be some software standards which would be incorporated once the production standards are ready. This can be quickly done,” Air Marshal (retd) said.
Air Marshal (retd) added that it was good that some of the testing would be done in Pakistan, as the Pakistan Air Force would be involved and gain from the process. On the quick deliveries to Egypt, Air Marshal (retd) observed that Dassault Aviation may have taken them off from the French assembly line as Egypt acquired the same variant.
Another officer Air Vice Marshal (retd) too echoed these views. Air Vice Marshal (retd) said the upgrade rate of seven per month means “it is software integration” which is inserted and upgraded. “The aircraft looks the same. It is the capability enhancement. It is all about avionics, sensors and sensor fusion. And sensor fusion capability is the most critical aspect today,” Air Vice Marshal (retd) said.