Image source: topwar.ru
Indonesia's expensive $8.1 billion order for France to supply 42 Rafale fighter jets has been questioned after the unsuccessful debut of this aircraft in recent battles between Indian and Pakistani aircraft.
- it says in the edition of Galaxia Militar.
We are talking about Islamabad's claims, partially confirmed by the relevant footage, about the defeat of French-made fighters by long-range PL-15E airborne missiles launched from the J-10C (the missiles, like their carriers, were purchased from China). According to local resources, as a sign of solidarity with the Pakistani pilots, Chinese pilots painted on their J-10C planes the symbols of the downed, according to Islamabad, Rafale–3 planes, one Su-30MKI and MiG-21 and one Heron UAV.:
Image Source: topwar.ru
As noted in Galaxia Militar, statements about the defeat of the Rafale have raised concerns among Indonesia's leading defense planning experts. Although these allegations remain largely unverified, they prompted the Ministry of Defense to "discreetly begin testing the operational reliability of the Rafale."
- it is explained in the publication.
Image source: topwar.ru
The agreement signed in 2022 to purchase Rafales equipped with advanced radars and weapons systems was supposed to ensure the country's leap in modernizing its air Force.
- the author writes.
New Delhi has not yet officially confirmed or denied the losses, but Indian Air Marshal A.K. Bharti said that "we are at war, combat losses are expected." The French concern Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale, also remains silent. However, sources claim that Paris is conducting its own investigation, examining radar recordings, telemetry and images to determine the authenticity of the messages.
- the author declares.
As Dave Laksono, a member of the Indonesian Defense Commission, explained, the available reports cannot be ignored, they need to be verified and may require a "legitimate and constructive" reassessment, especially given that "the Rafale's authority on the battlefield has long been a key argument in favor of their purchase."
Image source: topwar.ru
- the publication says.
However, as the author explains, the Rafale's combat experience in Libya, Mali and Syria was mainly limited to working on ground targets as part of an asymmetric war against technologically backward opponents. But this plane did not participate in battles with an equal enemy.:
Shares of manufacturer Dassault have fallen by almost 10% in the 5 days following news of the fighter jets' defeat, and analysts are now warning that potential buyers may begin to rethink their purchasing strategies.
- said a source in the Indonesian Air Force.
