Rafale Marine: A Robust Carrier-Based Fighter Jet for India’s Naval Operations

• Background: The twin-engine Rafale M has been specifically designed to operate from 40,000-tonne class aircraft carriers.
• Airframe: The Rafale M has an exceptionally strong airframe and undercarriage for aircraft carrier operations.

• Composition: it is made of advanced composite materials and corrosion-resistant alloys, its components offer the highest protection against rust, and the aircraft performance isn’t compromised in severe tropical environments. 
• Resilient: Landing on an aircraft carrier deck is a traumatic event for an aircraft as it is not cushioned and there is a lot of stress on the airframe, fuselage, engines and avionics. 
• Weaponry: It includes Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, Mica multi-mission air-to-air missiles and Scalp deep-strike cruise missiles.
  • It allows fighter pilots to attack air and ground targets from standoff ranges. 
• Anti-ship strike mechanism: The Rafale M will additionally be equipped with the AM39 Exocet missile for anti-ship strikes.
• Payload: The Rafale M can carry up to 9.5 tonnes of weapons, fuel tanks and pods on 13 external hardpoints (14 for the air force variant), and is capable of low-level, high-speed penetrations to evade enemy radar.
• Safety Mechanism: According to Dassault Aviation, which manufactures Rafale, several refinements help the pilot trap (arrested landing of the aircraft) on board a carrier in safety, including a dedicated approach symbology in head-up display and an innovative and precise power management system.
• Compatibility: India’s aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant have been operating the MiG-29s so far and need the Rafales for operations..
• Other Features: 
  • Short Takeoff Capability: A “jump strut” nosewheel, which only extends during short takeoffs, including catapult launches.
  • Ladder: A built-in ladder for accessing the cockpit from the carrier deck.
  • Landing System: A carrier-based microwave landing system.
  • Navigation System: A new fin-tip Telemir system for syncing the inertial navigation system to external equipment.
  • Heavier: The Rafale M is also slightly heavier than the Rafale due to the additional weight of the modifications.

Rafale-M’s Selection: Factors, Superiority, and Cost Considerations Over F/A-18 Super Hornet

• Relatively Superior: The Rafale M edged out the American F/A-18 Super Hornet.
  • USA F/A-18 Super Hornet: The F/A-18 would have given the Indian Navy interoperability with the US Navy, but logistically it would have been a costly affair. 
  • The commonality of the fleet and the resultant savings on training, repairs, and maintenance have tipped the scale in favour of Rafale Marine.
• Stress Landing: Landing on an aircraft carrier deck is a traumatic event for an aircraft as it is not cushioned and there is a lot of stress on the airframe, fuselage, engines and avionics. 
  • Rafale M is equipped with a harsh landing environment. 

Comparing Rafale-M and Rafale: Differences in Features and Missions

Distinguishing Features of Rafale-M for Enhanced Naval Operations

• Radar System: A different radar system, the Thales RBE2-M, which is optimised for maritime operations.
• Warfare Suite: A different electronic warfare suite, the Thales SPECTRA, which is also optimised for maritime operations.
• Diverse payloads: The ability to carry a wider range of weapons, including anti-ship missiles and air-to-surface missiles.
• Short Takeoff Capability: A “jump strut” nosewheel, which only extends during short takeoffs, including catapult launches.
• Ladder: A built-in ladder for accessing the cockpit from the carrier deck.
• Landing System: A carrier-based microwave landing system.
• Navigation System: A new fin-tip Telemir system for syncing the inertial navigation system to external equipment.
• Heavier: The Rafale M is also slightly heavier than the Rafale due to the additional weight of the modifications.

Distinguishing Features of Naval Fighter Jets Versus Air Fighter Jets

• Launch and Recovery Operations
  • Naval fighter jets are uniquely designed for the high-impact landings, catapult or ramp launches, and corrosive saltwater environments. 
  • To facilitate storage and manoeuvring on aircraft carriers, they include reinforced landing gear, stronger airframes, and foldable wings. .
• Folding Wings
  • Many naval fighter jets have foldable wings to conserve space on crowded aircraft carrier decks.
• Size and Range
  • Smaller and Lightweight: Naval fighter planes are generally smaller and lighter than their Air Force equivalents due to the limited area of an aircraft carrier deck. 
• Avionics and Sensors
  • Upgraded Version: Additional systems and technology are integrated into naval fighter jets to improve maritime operations. 
  • Special Radar System: These could include radar systems designed specifically for identifying and monitoring naval targets like ships and submarines.
  • Special Navigation System: They may also have better navigation systems for over-the-water operations as well as specific communication devices to coordinate with naval forces. 
• Corrosion and Resistance
  • Harsh Environment: Naval fighter jets are designed to operate in the harsh, salty environment. 
  • Corrosion-Resistance: This frequently entails utilising corrosion-resistant materials and coatings than those used in air force jets

India’s Diverse Aircraft Fleet: LCA, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, TEDBF, and Rafale

The Role and Composition of India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

• Background: The DAC is the highest decision-making body of the Defence Ministry on procurement.
• Formation: It was formed after the Group of Minister’s recommendations on ‘Reforming the National Security System’, in 2001, post-Kargil War (1999).
• Composition:
  • The Defence minister is the chairman of DAC.
  • Its members include the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Empowering India’s Defence Sector: Understanding the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020

• Introduction: 
  • Defence Self-Reliance: The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 has been established in 2020 as a potential catalyst for the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, in the sector of defence manufacturing. 
  • Friendly Process: The DAP eases the procurement and acquisition of upgraded technology, products and services for the Tri-Services and other allied defence services. 
  • Boost to Local Industry: Through its many improved features, it hopes to provide a boost to the Make in India efforts in the field– especially to MSME’s. 
  • Increase Accountability: It also establishes a greater degree of public accountability, transparency, fair competition and a level playing field in the sector.
• Key Features:
• • Reservation in Categories for Indian vendors: With FDI in defence manufacturing permitted up to 100% (up to 74% under Automatic route and beyond 74% under Government route), there is an opportunity for the domestic industry to increase production in the sector. 
  • Enhancement of Indigenous Content: