Rafale-M Jets
11.04.2025
Rafale-M Jets
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For Prelims: About the Rafale Fighter Jet |
Why in the news?
Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, approved a ₹63,000-crore deal for procuring 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France for the Indian Navy.
Background
- Initially, under the MMRCA tender (2007), India planned to acquire 126 jets with technology transfer, which was shelved in 2015.
- A direct deal in 2016 led to 36 Rafale jets for the IAF, delivered between 2019-2022.
Details of the Deal:
- The deal includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets for carrier operations and 4 twin-seater trainer variants, which are non-carrier compatible.
- The jets are meant to operate from INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, India’s two operational aircraft carriers.
About the Rafale Fighter Jet:
- Dassault Rafale is a 5 generation, twin-engine, delta-wing, multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation.
- Capable of speeds up to Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 1000 km.
- Designed for air superiority, ground support, reconnaissance and anti-ship missions.
Key Features and Avionics
- Equipped with RBE2 AESA radar, SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, front sector optronics, and omnidirectional warning systems.
- Powered by 2 SNECMA M88 turbofan engines, providing supercruise capability (supersonic flight without afterburners).
- 14 hardpoints can carry external payloads up to 9,500 kg.
Rafale Variants
- Rafale C: Single-seat Air Force version.
- Rafale B: Twin-seat version for training with full combat capability.
- Rafale M: Naval variant, designed for carrier-based operations, with reinforced landing gear and tailhook for short-deck landings.
- Other variants include Rafale N (nuclear strike) and Rafale R (research and development).
Source: The Hindu
India has recently chosen Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets for deployment on its aircraft carriers. These jets have been acquired from which of the following countries?
A.United States
B.Russia
C.France
D.Israel
Answer C