IAF Rafale Reportedly Endures Missile Strike, Influencing Plans to Expand Fleet
According to a report by IDRW, a Rafale fighter of the Indian Air Force successfully withstood a missile attack from Pakistan, demonstrating its robustness and combat resilience. This incident, highlighted by the French defense media outlet avionslegendaires.net, has reinforced India's intention to expand its Rafale fleet to a total of 100 aircraft.
The report details that during a recent conflict, a Rafale was targeted by a Chinese-made Pakistani missile. Despite being struck, the aircraft successfully returned to its base, preserving the pilot's safety. This incident underscores the Rafale's ruggedness and operational durability, factors that are crucial for Indian defense strategists.
Currently, India operates 36 Rafale jets, which were acquired between 2020 and 2022 under a €7.8 billion deal with the French company, Dassault Aviation. These aircraft are stationed at key bases in Ambala and Hasimara, covering strategic areas in both the western and eastern sectors.
The Rafales are equipped with advanced technology, including the Thales RBE2 AESA radar, enhanced Front Sector Optronics (FSO), DASH Helmet Mounted Display, and the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite. These systems enable the aircraft to perform air superiority and deep-strike missions effectively. They are armed with MICA and Meteor air-to-air missiles, along with SCALP-EG cruise missiles, providing them with versatile combat capabilities. Analysts suggest that the SPECTRA EW suite possibly interfered with the missile's radar seeker, enabling the aircraft to return safely.
The event has reportedly influenced Indian defense decision-makers towards expanding their Rafale fleet, emphasizing the aircraft's operational superiority and proven reliability in combat. The planned acquisition of 100 additional Rafales, potentially comprising both single-seat and twin-seat versions, represents one of the largest fighter procurement initiatives in India's history. This expansion would further deepen defense relations with France and Dassault Aviation.
