Dr Manish Barma has completed his PhD from the School of International Studies, JNU.Currently, he is a Research Associate with Chintan Research Foundation, New Delhi.
NEW DELHI: Perhaps one of the most popular defense deals ever signed anywhere in the world was the Rafale Jet deal, which was signed for the Indian Air Force in September 2016 through an intergovernmental agreement between the Indian and French governments. In addition to receiving unheardof levels of media attention, the deal was also tainted by allegations of a scam. Allegations flew, loud debates followed, and intense political mudslinging ensued until the Supreme Court of India stepped in and on December 14,2018, after hearing petitions raised by complaining parties, gave a clean chit to the deal clearly stating that it has “studied the material carefully,” and found no evidence of any malpractice. Observantly speaking, it still manages to induce a sense of doubt about the propriety of the 2016 deal in the minds of some. However, it is becoming obvious, particularly in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam incident where Pakistan backed terrorists murdered innocent tourists, that the Indian Air Force will be in an even better position as compared to what it was during the Balakot strikes of 2019, to carry out any aerial strike that the Indian government authorizes on military or terrorist targets across the Line of Control (LOC), thanks to the capabilities that the Rafale aircraft brings to the table. This is one feature of the Rafale that is without any question or doubt. In this backdrop, it is also worth reiterating that the real significance of the naval version of the jet, the Rafale-M, that has been recently chosen as the platform of choice for the India navy, is not in its procurement cost or any political debate which it may generate; it is rather its ability to effectively force escalation dominance and create an asymmetric battlefield scenario in favour of India. A cursory stock of the Rafale Marine jet will help us in appreciating the larger geostrategic canvass in which India’s armed forces will operate in the near future. The Rafale Marine: A step towards increasing India’s naval might was taken up on Monday, April 28, when the Indian government and France signed a government-to-government agreement worth $7.4 billion for the purchase of 26 Rafale M fighter planes, the marine version of the popular aircraft already in service with the Indian air force. A state-of-the-art fighter jet, the near 5th generation Rafale M is an omni-role aircraft designed for maritime missions, precise strikes, and air superiority. It can strike deep into enemy territory with pin point accuracy due to its advanced weaponry, which includes Meteor long-range missiles, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and SCALP cruise missiles. The Rafale M is perfect for India’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and Vikramaditya since it is also suited for Short TakeOff but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations. The Rafale M is indeed distinctit is made for the battles on the ocean, with radars and missiles that can see and hit far and beyond. For years now, the Russian Mig- 29K jets, atop our carriers have been guarding the waters. But with the marine Rafales which are almost a generation ahead in terms of technology than their Russian counterpart, the Indian navy has set off on a fresh path of modernisation and power projection. And speaking of projecting power, nothing projects power more than a fully integrated and armed carrier battle group riding the high seas. Carrier Battle Groups and Power Projection: Carrier battle groups are not mere symbols of grandeur; they are floating air bases projecting offensive and defensive capabilities. Recent satellite imagery showed INS Vikrant’s forward deployment near Karwar amid heightened tensions with Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack, showcasing India’s maritime readiness. Strategically, Vikrant can blockade Karachi and strike Pakistani airbases, threatening vital supply lines. Rafale M’s superior combat range would greatly enhance such missions compared to current MiG-29Ks. Notwithstanding the absence of the French jets today, a future scenario where things again come to a critical pass between India and Pakistan resulting in the outbreak of physical hostilities, cannot be ruled out. Possessing the Rafale M in such a scenario will allow for the practical and better execution of our strategic policy vis-à-vis our adversaries. It is a point often missed by our analysts when dealing with an adversary like Pakistan. Rafale M: Giving Teeth to Policy: The Dassault Rafale jet is turning out to be the proverbial “poster child” modern fighter which provides a solution ahead to militaries like India confronted with the scenario of doing “maximum” within a “minimum” span of time. This holds particularly true in a volatile and ever-evolving geostrategic environment. Compact yet remarkably robust, relatively silent and extremely agile, the Rafale jets not only merely carry modern types of weapons and ammunition, it also enhances their efficacy with its trademark “multi-sensor data fusion” capabilities. And both the Indian navy and air force operating a common platform will not only lead to less complexities with regards to logistics, training and infrastructure but most importantly, aid both the military arms in devising common operational procedures, which in the form of specific missions like Balakot, will translate into policies sanctioned at the top level by the government of the day. Talking of policy, in view of India’s no first use nuclear doctrine, a guaranteed second-strike capability is essential to nuclear deterrence’s legitimacy. Although India possesses both sea-based nuclear submarines and land-based missiles, carrier-borne delivery offers a significant degree of flexibility, and expediency. The Rafale M could also be upgraded to carry and deliver nuclear weapons if at all the need arises. It can penetrate contested airspace and act as a marine nuclear delivery platform thanks to its deep strike capability, low RCS, and EW supremacy, bolstering India’s nuclear triad even further. Conclusion: The aviation wing of the military is arguably the most effective strategic lever that any country could possess today, both in terms of the technological edge and effectiveness they bring into a combat scenario. In case of India, we saw how the air arm of its military responded effectively to the asymmetrical and counter-terror conflicts during the Balakot strikes. In the immediate wake of Pahalgam, tensions are simmering at perilous levels with the break out of a physical conflict very much possible. In such a scenario, a quick, coordinated and calculated response would be critical towards not just deterring cross-border terrorism but overall, safeguarding national security interests. Though parallels have been drawn between the situation at Gaza and Kashmir today, it has to be borne in mind that unlike the Palestinian terror groups, Pakistani terror groups are backed by a sovereign state with a standing army that has nuclear arms. The nuclear bluff, previously called out during the 2019 Balakot strikes where Indian jets had very briefly entered Pakistani airspace, however, must not be completely disregarded by analysts as a future conflict between the two nations will likely involve the Indian military physically crossing over the border into Pakistani territory. The psychological impact of a prolonged and visible land or aerial incursion might trigger a desperate and beleaguered Pakistani military establishment into exercising the nuclear option as a last resort to salvage some pride. These sobering realities must be considered as the whole country is witnessing impassioned debates, demanding severe punishment for Pakistan. It does not, however, negate the fact that, within a certain threshold, India does have viable options today and will in the future. One of those options—and a very effective one—is the Rafale and the Rafale-M!