France offers India, the brand new F4 version of Rafale with second tranche of 36 jets

The French Ministry of Defence’s DGA and Dassault Aviation are likely to offer Rafale in F4 standard to the upcoming RFP which India will be sending for procurement of 114 fighter jets later this year. With Dassault Rafale’s latest F3-R which India had ordered saw significant enhancements, including full integration of the MBDA Meteor BVRAAM with the AESA RBE-2 AA radar, integration of the Thales Talios targeting laser designator pod, and clearance of the laser-guided variant of the Safran AASM A2G missile.

F4 standard Further system enhancements will be made to the Rafale’s sensor suite, including the RBE2 AESA radar, Talios targeting pod, and the OSF frontal sector optronics system. Likewise, the Spectra electronic warfare system will also receive improvements to maintain its ability to deter emerging threats.

F4 standard will also be first to receive next-generation MICA NG air-to-air missile. Dassault Aviation has planned two developmental stages for the F4 standard, F4.1 in 2023 and F4.2 in 2025. M88 engine’s computer will also be upgraded to improve fault diagnosis assistance, preventative maintenance. While there is considerable delay by India to issue RFP, it is expected that some of the F4 standard enhancements will be available for testing by 2022 and the same will be showcased to the IAF Test team when it is due for flight trials.

Dassault Aviation is expecting at least 5-6 years from selection till contract stage to the first roll-out of Indian-made Dassault Rafale, so the switch to F4 standard could be made since after 2025, F3-R Standard production will stop while India can still prefer F3-R with some components of F4 to avoid cost price rise also.

It is said that French President Emmanuel Macron is spearheading a Diplomatic offensive to push for securing an order for the second tranche of 36 Rafale from India, says a French Media report filed by Air-cosmos Magazine. France is also trying to secure the sale of 6 Ex-French Air Force A330 Air Tankers that have been offered at a reduced cost that will be overhauled before deliveries with 30 years Airworthiness guarantees from Airbus.

India initially had decided to go for Six A330 MMRT based Airtankers from a UK based company that specializes in the Leasing of Commercial aircraft converted to the military specifications on a wet-lease for 7-10 years period, but India is now considering French offer due to reduced price.

France has reportedly offered to set up a local production line in India for the Rafale with 70% Transfer of Technology (ToT). Air-cosmos said that the second tranche of 36 Rafale has been offered at around 5 billion Euros that is way less than the previous deal that was concluded at 7.8 billion Euros. The previous deal included an additional cost for India specific enhancements and a 30% offset clause that has been removed now. India will also not be needing pilot training at French facilities due to which the second tranche has been offered at a reduced price.