During Libya War, Rafale and Eurofighter were used to show their capabilities to the world, essentially potential customers. During the war, Rafale performed brilliantly and performed seamlessly while switching between air-to-ground and air-to-air roles. Its SPECTRA suit provided much better situational awareness to the pilots. It truly earned its much touted “Omnirole Fighter” tag.
$12 billion MMRCA deal for 126 fighters, Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon were chosen as L1 and L2 contender after 12 years. But why Rafale took the cake? (well, PM Modi later scrapped the deal for separate deal of Rafale)
This heavily influenced IAF’s decision to opt for Rafale.
Also, France has been a great strategic partner to India which supported India during Kargil war and didn’t enforce economic sanctions after Pokhran tests. French Rafale is a safer choice as availability and supply of spare parts will be easy and without difficulties caused by international pressure.
More to follow
