SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a revealing conversation with idrw.org, an Indian Navy official stated that the Rafale M, which the Indian Navy plans to acquire from France, significantly outclasses China’s modernized J-15B and J-15D carrier-based combat aircraft in all combat capabilities. This assessment comes amidst ongoing evaluations of naval aviation assets and their strategic implications in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Rafale M, a naval variant of the renowned French Rafale fighter, is designed specifically for carrier operations and is equipped with advanced avionics, weaponry, and a robust airframe suited for the rigours of naval combat. According to Navy officials, the J-15B and J-15D, derivatives of the Soviet-era Sukhoi Su-33, still grapple with numerous inherited design issues that have not been fully resolved despite significant Chinese investment.
“The J-15 series, despite its upgrades, carries the legacy of the Su-33’s problems, which have been well-documented. These include issues with the aircraft’s weight, fuel efficiency, and operational reliability,” the official noted. The J-15 was developed from a prototype of the Su-33, acquired from Ukraine, which China then reverse-engineered and modified. However, the fundamental design challenges persist, affecting its combat effectiveness.
India’s decision to opt for the MiG-29K over the Su-33 for its aircraft carriers was influenced by similar reliability and performance issues that even the Russian Navy faced. The Russian Navy eventually transitioned from the Su-33 to the MiG-29K on its carriers, highlighting the unresolved problems with the former.
“The Russian Navy’s move away from the Su-33 speaks volumes. If the originators of the design couldn’t fully address these issues, it’s a significant challenge for anyone else, including China,” the official remarked.
China has acknowledged these shortcomings and is now funding the development of the J-35, a fifth-generation carrier-based fighter, aiming to phase out the J-15 variants. The J-35 is expected to bring stealth capabilities, enhanced avionics, and superior combat performance to the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), addressing many of the current limitations.
Despite this, the PLAN has continued to induct more J-15B and J-15D aircraft than the total number of Su-33s ever produced, showcasing their commitment to naval aviation expansion. However, these jets still bear the design DNA of the Su-33, which does not provide the edge China seeks against modern adversaries like the Rafale M.
The Rafale M’s superiority in areas like radar, electronic warfare, payload capacity, and operational range gives the Indian Navy a strategic advantage in potential naval engagements in the Indian Ocean and beyond. Its compatibility with India’s aircraft carriers, coupled with its proven combat record in various international operations, positions it as a formidable asset in the region.
“The Rafale M not only enhances our naval combat capabilities but also serves as a deterrent against any aggressive posturing by regional powers,” the official stated, emphasizing the strategic foresight in this procurement.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.