look news india
France has once again taken a very tough and historic step, flaunting its technological and strategic independence in the global defense market. After obstacles in defense partnership with other countries of Europe, France has now taken up the task of developing the future sixth generation fighter jet on its own. Along with this ambitious plan, France is also working rapidly on the development of ‘Super Rafale’ i.e. Rafale F5 to increase the strength of its existing Air Force manifold. Defense experts believe that this step of France is creating new equations in the defense corridors for European security as well as for its close strategic partners like India. This is a very important time for the Indian Defense Ministry and policy makers in New Delhi, because if India does not take immediate and precise steps in this era of technological change, then there may be a risk of being left behind in the future global defense market.
The Rafale F5 Standard being developed by France is not a simple upgrade, but is being introduced as a ‘Super Rafale’ which will directly act as a technological bridge to the sixth generation warplane. State-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities are being added to this new fighter aircraft, which will help the pilot to take accurate decisions in the blink of an eye in complex combat situations. Additionally, it will have the capability to integrate next generation advanced AESA radar, advanced SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and hypersonic and stealth weapons. The most important thing is that Rafale F5 will be able to create a perfect and safe coordination between man-operated aircraft and unmanned combat drones (Loyal Wingman Drones), so that the enemy’s modern air defense system can be easily dodged.
Strategic relations between India and France have reached historic heights in the last few decades. The Indian Air Force is already successfully operating Rafale F3-R aircraft, and the Rafale-M deal has also been sealed for the Indian Navy. Apart from this, Rafale is also a strong contender in India’s tender for 114 multirole fighter jets (MRFA), a large part of which is being discussed under the ‘Rafale F5’ standard. Defense experts clearly suggest that if New Delhi wants to engage with France from the very beginning in the research and development (R&D) phase of this sixth generation fighter jet and advanced technology, then it should not delay at the diplomatic and defense level. Once the prototyping and final design of these aircraft is completed, it will be extremely difficult to have a deep and meaningful involvement in this project later.
If India coordinates its steps with this new defense step of France in time, then the country’s indigenous defense programs will directly benefit from it. India’s own fifth generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project and future jet engine development programs could be further strengthened by this technical cooperation. France is already manufacturing various parts of Rafale through Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) in Nagpur, India, making India a part of the global supply chain. Rafale F5 and transfer of sixth generation technologies can give India a strategic and technologically invincible edge in the skies over neighbors like China and Pakistan. Therefore, it is high time for India’s defense leadership to ensure its strong stake in this new defense chapter with France.