SOURCE: AFI
In a move that has stirred significant controversy within the French defense community, the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of India has recently confirmed the design for their Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), which bears striking similarities to the French Rafale fighter jet. This development has led to a flurry of reactions on social media, particularly on X, where sentiments range from accusations of copying to more nuanced views on design inspiration.
Sébastien Clavier, a notable voice in the French defense community, expressed his dismay on X, stating, “India is quietly making an exact copy of the Rafale…” His comment reflects a broader concern among some French observers about intellectual property and design rights. This sentiment was echoed by others in the community, highlighting an underlying tension regarding technology transfer and international defense collaborations.
However, not all reactions were of condemnation. Another French commentator offered a different perspective, suggesting, “Let’s just say they have a new aesthetic goal. If it’s just that the project has the appearance… it’s a form of homage.” This viewpoint attempts to frame the design similarity as a compliment rather than an infringement, suggesting that copying elements of a successful design could be seen as flattery or an acknowledgment of the Rafale’s superior engineering.
Adding to the discourse, another user pointed out that this issue has been on the radar for some time, stating, “They are trying… and we have known this for 6-7 years now. I imagine that this is taken into account in the discussions with Dassault.” This comment implies that the discussions between French manufacturer Dassault Aviation and Indian counterparts might have already considered these design parallels, potentially mitigating some of the legal or diplomatic fallout.
The TEDBF, intended for operations from Indian aircraft carriers, has been designed with several features reminiscent of the Rafale, including its canard delta wing configuration, but notably includes Diverterless Supersonic Inlets (DSI), a feature not present in the Rafale, potentially offering some technological divergence. The Indian Navy has expressed plans to acquire at least 80 of these aircraft, signaling a significant commitment to this indigenous project.
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