Defense updates has received large number of request from the viewers on why India chose
to buy Rafale instead of increasing the number of Sukhoi 30 MKI, which is a very capable fighter.
It is well known that Sukhoi Su 30MKI ($75 million apiece) costs 1/3 that of Rafale , and
India also has got excellent understanding of its operations having used it for sometime now.
In this video , we look at top 5 reasons why India choose to have Rafale instead of having
more Sukhoi 30 MKI.
Sukhoi Su 30 MKI is designed for air dominance.
Su-30MKI aerodynamic configuration is geared for air to air combat.
The design allow for high angle of attack (AoA) flights . The integral aerodynamic configuration
combined with thrust vectoring results in extreme maneuverability.
It is not that Su-30MKI is not capable of ground attack , but it more of an air fighter.
The Su-30MKI has a range of 3,000 km with internal fuel which ensures a 3.75 hour combat mission.
Its air refueling system can increase the flight duration up to 10 hours with a range
of 8,000 km.
Su-30MKIs can also use the Cobham 754 refueling pods.
This means Su 30 MKI can go deep into enemy territories and take the fight to the opposing air force.
The Rafale is referred to as an "omnirole" aircraft by Dassault, its maker.
Equipped with a wide range of weapons, the Rafale is intended to perform air supremacy,
interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike
and nuclear deterrence missions.
One important aspect is that Rafale can be used from carrier aircrafts making it a very
versatile fighter.
As viewers may know, MMRC deal in which Rafael won ,stands for Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft.
So India’s intention was to acquire a multirole fighter instead of a air dominance fighter
which India already has in form of SU 30 MKI.
Sukhoi 30 MKI is large aircraft and was also not designed with stealth in mind.
The size has many benefits , but has a critical disadvantage . It has large RCS of 5.
This makes it an easier target when compared to Rafale which has a RCS of 1.
So , in case of operations in regions defended by advanced air defense system with powerful
radars, the Rafale is much better aircraft.
France is part of European Union but it does not use Eurofighter Typhoon.
France was humiliated in World War 2.
Since then , France has been very particular about building its own defense equipments,
be it fighters or submarines.
It is also known to have a very independent view about strategic relationships.
This is very important, as France can be trusted, that it will not bow to foreign pressures
to stop supplies ,if and when India is in a conflict.
India’s experience with France has been good, it has been a a very dependable partner for India.
India has been using Mirage build by Dassault for a long time and it has been a very effective jet for India.
From spare parts to repairs, France has stood by India.
Russia has been the most trusted ally of India. It helped India in 1971 war, when US, UK,Pakistan
had tried to defeat india. Russia has supplied India and continuing to
do so, with top of the line defense equipment.
In late 1990s, Russia had transferred technology for Su30 MKI, India's frontline fighter aircraft,
which at that time was Russia’s most modern equipment, its most modern plane.
Recently , Russia has agreed to sell india, S 400 the most dreaded air defense system in the world.
There is mainly one problem with Russia, that India must not be dependent on a single nation
for the military equipment. There is a saying: "Do not put all your eggs in the same basket".
Diversifying of critical equipments is must.
China , India’s main adversary also uses Sukhoi Flanker variants which it had acquired
from Russia . They have even reversed engineered these aircrafts .
Though Su 30 MKI is customized by India with Israeli & French sub systems, China have decent idea of this aircraft , specially
its aerodynamic capabilities.
In any conflict, this can be very useful from Chinese perspective. Same goes for India.
On the other hand, there is no road map , where Rafale can end into Chinese hand .
This will give India an edge in air combat scenarios.