SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender, often dubbed the “mother of all defense deals,” saw two of Europe’s premier fighter jets, the Dassault Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, go head-to-head. Both aircraft showcased exceptional capabilities, with the Eurofighter clearing stringent technical rounds of the IAF, while the Rafale ultimately emerged as the winner due to a combination of factors, notably pricing.
This article will compare the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon in terms of price and capabilities to understand why the Rafale secured the deal and why the Eurofighter, despite its merits, fell short.
One of the decisive factors that led to the Eurofighter losing the MMRCA tender was its higher cost. Both initial procurement and life-cycle costs of the Eurofighter Typhoon were substantially higher compared to the Dassault Rafale.
When the Rafale was selected it was declared L1, In contrast, the Eurofighter Typhoon came in at a much higher cost, both for the upfront procurement and the long-term maintenance, which was a critical factor in its rejection. Reports indicated that the Eurofighter’s life-cycle cost could have been as much as 20% higher than that of the Rafale. This significant price difference was crucial in India’s decision, particularly as the IAF was looking for a cost-effective option for long-term operation.
While the Rafale won on price, the Eurofighter Typhoon was well-received by the IAF and performed excellently in technical evaluations. A closer look at both aircraft’s capabilities shows why this competition was so close.
Designed as an “omnirole” fighter, the Rafale is highly versatile. It can perform air-to-air combat, ground strikes, reconnaissance, and even nuclear deterrence missions. Its ability to operate from both land and aircraft carriers adds to its operational flexibility. It’s equipped with advanced avionics, such as the Thales RBE2 AESA radar, and can carry a wide array of weapons, including the Meteor beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile, SCALP long-range cruise missile, and MICA air-to-air missiles.
Originally conceived as a pure air-superiority fighter, the Eurofighter Typhoon has evolved into a multirole aircraft. Its performance in air-to-air combat is regarded as superior to the Rafale, particularly in dogfighting and high-altitude interception. The Eurofighter also carries the Meteor missile, and its Captor-E AESA radar is one of the most advanced in the world. However, its air-to-ground capabilities have been developed later in its operational life, which put it at a slight disadvantage when compared to the Rafale’s seamless multirole integration.
While not a full stealth aircraft, the Rafale features several low-observable technologies, including radar-absorbent materials (RAM) and reduced radar cross-section (RCS). Its electronic warfare suite, the Spectra system, is highly advanced, offering exceptional protection against threats by jamming, decoying, and evading enemy radar and missile systems.
The Typhoon, like the Rafale, is not a stealth fighter but employs various techniques to reduce its radar signature. However, its survivability is enhanced through its electronic warfare system, the Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS), which provides comprehensive defensive measures. The Eurofighter’s higher speed and altitude performance can also contribute to avoiding enemy threats.
The Rafale’s cockpit is considered highly advanced, with cutting-edge avionics and sensor fusion that gives pilots an edge in situational awareness. Its Thales RBE2 AESA radar provides superior tracking and targeting capabilities, especially against stealthy or fast-moving targets.
The Eurofighter’s Captor-E AESA radar is widely regarded as one of the most capable radar systems in any fighter jet, with exceptional range and tracking abilities. The Typhoon’s sensor fusion and helmet-mounted display also make it highly effective in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The most significant factor was the Rafale’s lower upfront cost and cheaper lifecycle maintenance compared to the Eurofighter. India’s defense procurement process highly values long-term operational costs, which swung the decision in favor of the Rafale. The Rafale’s proven multirole capabilities, with its ability to seamlessly switch between air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance roles, made it highly attractive to the IAF. Its suitability for carrier operations was another plus, as India continues to modernize its naval aviation assets.
Dassault offered India favorable terms for technology transfer and customization. The IAF was keen on the Rafale’s India-specific enhancements, such as better radar, more powerful electronic warfare systems, and helmet-mounted sights, which further justified the price difference. The Rafale had already been combat-tested in conflicts in Libya, Mali, and Syria, showcasing its ability to operate effectively in real-world combat scenarios. This combat-proven status gave it a practical edge over the Eurofighter Typhoon.
Rafale currently has an edge due to presence of 62 Rafale already in India that includes 26 Rafale M for the Indian Navy. Eurofighter will need to beat Rafale not only in terms of Price but also in terms of ToT making it highly irrestiable for India.