Russia warned India that Rafale fighter will not help them against China
According BulgarianMilitary.com sources India is likely to receive by July 27 the first batch of six Rafale fighter jets which are expected to significantly boost the combat capability of the Indian Air Force.
The IAF has been on a high alert for the last two weeks in view of escalation in tension with China following clashes between troops of the two countries in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed. The two armies are locked in a bitter standoff in the region for seven weeks.
Until 2025, 36 Rafale combat aircraft with weapons in the form of Meteor air-to-air guided missiles and SCALP cruise missiles should appear in the Indian Air Force. In India, it is believed that the appearance of these fighters with the named means of destruction will help to effectively counter China.
In fact, French fighters belonging to the 4 ++ generation will not be able to help India if the conflict escalates from a “stone-stick” to a truly military confrontation, including a confrontation in the air.
Such a confrontation, of course, is not in the circle of interests of either India or China, but there are forces on the planet for which the real dream is to push the foreheads of these two giants.
One of the important issues in relation to the purchase of Rafale fighters by India is their cost. As noted by Military Review, open Indian sources called an incredible price – each Rafal costs the Indian budget more than $ 200 million!
This is two and a half times more expensive than the fifth-generation American fighter F-35 and about three times higher than the amount by which the J-20 buys China for its air force. In other words, for 36 French-made Rafale fighters that will appear in the Indian Air Force, China can respond with three times as many of its fifth generation J-20 fighters – for the same money.
Even if, in some ways, the characteristics of the Chinese combat aircraft lag behind the French 4 ++, then what is called “capable of crushing by quantity”.
But China, like hotcakes, is buying other fighters for its Air Force. One of these is the J-16. In China itself, it is considered an analogue of the Russian Su-35. If we compare its characteristics with the characteristics of the French Rafal, then the aircraft produced in France is not exactly called having an advantage.
For example, the maximum Rafale speed is about Mach 1.8, and the J-16 is Mach 2.2. The Rafale practical ceiling is about 3.8 km lower than the same J-16. Even in engine thrust, the Chinese Su-35 is superior to the French combat aircraft.
This is because even if India throws all the “Rafali” that it has contracted to the borders of China, then no small and victorious war will happen for it. So far, the superiority in technical aircraft equipment is still on the side of China.
Therefore, it is 100 percent better to discuss difficult issues at the negotiating table in order to prevent third parties from taking advantage of the situation to add oil to the fire.
India purchases 12 new Russian Sukhoi aircraft
As we reported on June 21 India decided to increase the power of its Air Force by purchasing from Russia 12 new Sukhoi aircraft and 21 MiG-29s. This proposal was submitted to the country’s Ministry of Defense.
This will be the second batch of 33 new fighters to be purchased by the Indian Air Force after signing a contract for 36 Rafale French fighters in 2016. At the same time, the source did not explain which Sukhoi aircraft are in question. Probably, the Indians will demand the Su-30MKI, which are already in service with the country’s air force.
However, do not exclude the option with the latest Su-57. Sukhoi already published a report in which it announced the serial production of a 5th generation fighter, as well as its export.
India throws Apache attack helicopters and Su-30 fighters east to Ladakh
On June 20 India deployed Apache attack helicopters and fighter aircraft in East Ladakh to strengthen its defenses following clashes between Indian and Chinese troops.
“Apache attack helicopters with air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, as well as Chinook helicopters capable of delivering artillery to high-altitude regions have been relocated to the east of Ladakh,” TASS reports.
Also at the advanced air bases were placed Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighters. For the transfer of military equipment used heavy transport aircraft S-17 Globemaster, S-130J Super Hercules and An-32.
In addition, the Indian Navy strengthened the grouping of warships in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.
“These actions are a clear signal to Beijing that New Delhi is ready to escalate the military conflict on the line of actual control in Ladakh,” the newspaper said.
Recall that as a result of a clash with the Chinese military in Ladakh, at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed. China protested, saying the Indian military illegally crossed the control line. Later it was reported that the troops were divorced in the border area.
India has deployed a quick-reaction air defense system to the Ladakh
Yesterday [June 29 – ed.] according to a new report that has surfaced this past weekend, India has deployed a quick-reaction air defense system to the Ladakh region, as both super powers continue to beef up their forces along the disputed border.
“As part of the ongoing build-up in the sector, the air defense systems of both Indian Army and the Indian Air Force have been deployed in the sector to prevent any misadventure by the Chinese Air Force fighter jets or the People’s Liberation Army choppers there”, government sources told ANI.