What's new in Rafale-F4? Upcoming fighter of Indian Navy

Rafale-M deal at final stage

Recently we have informed you about couple of media reports which is clearly hinting towards the finalization of Rafale-M for Indian Navy. We also explained you in detail – how India and France have increased engagements at various levels in last 2 months. While there is no official information from either side but there is likelihood of Rafale deal being signed during French president’s visit to India taking the relationship to next level. The version of Rafale-M which Indian Navy will be getting is most likely going to be the F4 versions.

So, the question is what’s special in Rafale’s latest F4 version? We will try to explore this in today’s video.

Rafale Variants

Dassault Rafale has evolved from F1 to F4 version. The F1 version was developed specific to the first aircraft of the French Navy. Rafale F2 has been developed with air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities. The Rafale F3 and F3R has extended versatility. Indian Air Force has acquired 36 Rafales of F3R standard with India specific enhancements. The Rafale F4 standard is part of the ongoing process to continuously improve the technological and operating experience based on user feedback.

The major highlight for F4 upgrade is innovative connectivity solutions to optimize the effectiveness in networked combat which includes new satellite and intra-patrol links, communication server, software defined radio. The upgrades also include radar sensors and front sector optronics, helmet-mounted display capabilities and new weapons will be integrated which includes Mica NG air-to-air missile and 1,000-kg AASM Air-to-Ground Modular Weapon.

Upgrades are also being to improve the availability of the aircraft. F4 will include a new Prognosis and Diagnostic Aid System introducing predictive maintenance capabilities. Other maintenance optimization features are scheduled, particularly with solutions based on Big Data and artificial intelligence. Lastly, the Rafale will be equipped with a new engine control unit.

Validation of the F4 standard is planned for 2024, with some functions becoming available as of 2022. The F4 standard has been planned in two phases - F4.1 & F4.2.

Rafale F4.1

The Rafale F4.1 will feature an upgraded Thales RBE2 radar as well as improved capabilities in the Helmet-Mounted Display. It will have new weapons — notably MBDA’s Mica NG air-to-air missile and the 1,000-kilogram AASM air-to-ground modular precision weapon — and be able to carry the new Scalp missiles.

The F4.1 will also be equipped with Thales TALIOS long-range airborne targeting pod and the Reco NG reconnaissance pod.

Rafale F4.2

The F4.2 will have more effective network-centric warfare, with more data exchange and satellite communication capacity. The fighter jet will be able to receive more data and will be more secure due to satellite communication and software-defined radio.

The maintenance of the F4 will also be going to be easier than its predecessors with new Prognosis and Diagnostic Aid System which can predict when the aircraft needs maintenance. It is also planned to incorporate the Big Data and Artificial Intelligence to further develop F4 into a true futuristic fighter. 

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[SimpliUPSC]

Good option .Rafale m should be equip with advanced NSM missile for anti ship role.

[vimal]

Please make a video on mid air refuellers airbus and boeing

[valerianpereira]

Can INDIA be the manufacturing hub for Aircrafts:
Civil
Fighter..
Drones..
yes, start manufacturing the HEART.THE ENGINE FIRST followed by the wind turbine.

[sandeepcool]

But india is buying 24 F3R
on shelf version?

[mrahulkeya]

I have a doubt how to practice for cpss/pabt test

[abymathew]

Rafale is the perfect example of how to design and build a 4.5 gen Jet..
Tejas crying in alone in a dark cave..

[skumarajay]

Price for 26 Rafael will be equal to aircraft carrier

[Mistyeyerie]

Rafale will just be a stopgap till indigenous aircraft carrying much better and cheaper Indian missiles are ready for Indian aircraft carriers. It will also serve as a bribe for the French, so that they continue to take orders from us regarding the UN security council. Yes, the helmets are better now as Indian Defence Analytics keeps telling us. And some other cosmetic changes.

[datoolz]

I am not so sure Bharat-France ties are deep. To be honest, what happens when Tejas, 2.0, AMCA and Ghatak are inducted? It is unlikely Rafales will be kept post 2035. I would prefer the Navy focus on getting unmanned drones, both sea and air into service. It is those, rather than expensive manned fighters that will win wars.

[gireeshkumar]

Useless video, F4 version takes time, in validation phase, better order F3 R naval version ASAP... at least 30 naval rafael...

[fly]

Can we order F4 variant now in 2023? Since it is scheduled to go into production in 2024-25
Deliveries will start from 2026 if ordered in 2023

[lemoonade]

Indian navy should choose Tejas ..instead of depending on foreigner..

[vinayakdasaka]

Excellent decision keeping in view our present Rafale infra, technology vs adversaries, geopolitics, US support for Pakis and their investments in China, unable to rein in on US media - officials visiting POK - COVID medical racism - long waiting for Visas - wokes etc etc etc.