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Dassault Rafale

Omnirole Warrior

India's newest 4.5-generation air-superiority platform.

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Model Dassault Rafale by andertan, licensed CC-BY-4.0

Overview

About the Rafale

The Rafale brings a leap in capability with its RBE2-AA AESA radar, SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles. It is the backbone of India's precision strike and deterrence posture.

History

Service history

India signed a government-to-government deal for 36 Rafales in 2016. The first jets were formally inducted at Ambala AFS in 2020. They played a highly visible role in India's strategic messaging along the northern and western borders.

Armament

Weapons loadout

  • Meteor BVR air-to-air missile
  • MICA IR / RF air-to-air missile
  • SCALP-EG cruise missile
  • HAMMER precision-guided munition
  • 30mm GIAT 30 cannon
  • Exocet AM39 anti-ship (capable)
Highlights

Combat edge

01

AESA radar with long-range track

02

SPECTRA integrated EW self-protection

03

Meteor BVRAAM with no-escape zone > 60 km

04

Cold-start capability at high-altitude bases