Why Are Rafale Jets So Special? What Is The Cost Of Rafale Fighter Jets?

Last updated on July 24th, 2023 at 01:00 pm

Rafale jets are highly advanced and versatile multirole fighter aircraft manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France.

They are equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems, modern sensors, and radar, making them one of the most capable fighter jets in the world.

The Indian Air Force already operates 36 of these jets, and now, India is considering procuring the naval variant, known as Rafale Marine, for its Navy.

The special features of Rafale jets lie in their advanced technology and capabilities. These jets are designed to perform various missions effectively, ranging from air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.

They are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, including Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, Hammer air-to-surface smart weapon system, and Scalp cruise missiles, which provide exceptional combat capabilities.

What sets the Rafale Marine version apart is its suitability for naval operations. These jets will operate from aircraft carriers at sea, and therefore, they have certain adaptations to cater to this environment.

The Marine version has foldable wings, a longer airframe for carrier landings, and a tail hook for arrested landing on the carrier deck.

The nose and main landing gears are reinforced to handle the challenging conditions of landing and takeoff from aircraft carriers.

The Rafale M also incorporates “jump strut technology” in the shock absorber, allowing the aircraft to achieve the right angle of attack during catapult launches from the carrier.

Moreover, the Rafale Marine can carry a wider range of weapons, including anti-ship missiles and air-to-surface missiles specifically designed for maritime operations. This makes them highly effective in naval warfare scenarios.

The Rafale jets’ overall performance and India-specific enhancements make them a significant addition to India’s defense capabilities.

The Indian Navy’s interest in acquiring the Rafale Marine demonstrates its commitment to strengthening its maritime capabilities and ensuring security in the Indian Ocean region.

Rafale jets are special due to their advanced technology, versatile capabilities, and adaptations for naval operations in the case of the Marine variant.

If acquired by the Indian Navy, these jets would significantly enhance the country’s defense capabilities and bolster its readiness to handle diverse military challenges effectively.

The cost of Rafale fighter jets is around 60,000 crore rupees. This is equivalent to approximately €7.8 billion or US$8.7 billion.

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The cost of each Rafale fighter jet is around 91.1 million euros (₹681.7 crore) for a single-seat aircraft and 94 million euros (₹703.4 crore) for a dual-seat aircraft.