France Unleashes the Rafale F3-R: A New Era in Combat Aviation Begins!
The operational deployment (MSO) of the Rafale F3-R fighter jet was determined by Admiral Pierre Vandier, the Navy Chief of Staff, along with Air Force General Philippe Lavigne, Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Space.
The enhancement of combat aviation capabilities is a key priority under the Military Programming Law. Therefore, €2.7 billion is allocated, from 2019 to 2025, for the advancement of new Rafale standards.
With authorization to utilize all functionalities included in the F3-R standard, which is already installed on half the fleet and planned for all Rafales in service, the French Navy and Air Force possess a multi-role fighter jet that ranks among the best globally, adept at operating in highly contested scenarios.
This decision particularly affects the Rafale of the carrier air group currently active on the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier, as well as those of the Air Force and Space operating from the forward base in Jordan under Operation Chammal.
This operational deployment follows the development and distribution of tactics for employing the new capabilities of the multi-role aircraft enabled by this standard, notably those offered by the METEOR long-range air-to-air missile and the TALIOS ground target laser designator.
The combination of the AESA RBE2 radar and the METEOR long-range missile empowers the Rafale with air superiority, whether conducting deep strikes, supporting ground forces, or engaging with transient targets.
This updated version of the Rafale will continue to carry the Enhanced Medium Range Air-to-Ground Missile (ASMP-A) for airborne nuclear deterrence missions.
Now equipped to utilize the high-resolution TALIOS laser designation pod, capable of generating images in both visible and infrared spectra, the Rafale F3-R will gain significantly enhanced capabilities for intelligence, acquisition, tracking, and target designation. Specifically, the Rafale will feature improved tracking capabilities for both stationary and moving targets, automatic detection of dynamic targets, and a new human/machine interface to streamline its operation.
The Rafale F3-R standard will also guarantee superior ground attack capabilities. It will allow for the management of ammunition flight times, laser illumination, and in-flight weapon adjustments, particularly for the laser-guided AASM Air-to-Ground Modular Weapon.
Operational safety will be enhanced with the inclusion of an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS), which serves as a crucial protective feature against ground collisions.
Starting in 2022, the Rafale will be equipped with additional functionalities through the F4 standard. This will include advanced connectivity solutions to maximize networked combat, upgraded radar and forward-looking sensors, helmet-mounted sight capability, and new integrated munitions, such as the Mica NG air-to-air missile and 1000 kg air-to-ground munitions.
SUMMARY OF CAPABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE RAFALE F3-R STANDARD
- The METEOR missile combined with a robust radar, even in dense electronic warfare conditions; enhanced resistance to GPS jamming.
- An upgraded Spectra electronic warfare system;
- Faster decision-making processes and maintained interoperability.
- Continuity of air superiority capabilities with:
- The METEOR missile and a resilient radar (suitable for dense electronic warfare situations); enhanced resistance to GPS jamming.
- An upgraded Spectra electronic warfare system; expedited decision-making and preserved interoperability.
- A strengthened alert capacity against potential threats. Enhanced abilities to identify and designate ground targets with the integration of the new TALIOS laser designation pod.
- Sustainability of in-flight refueling capabilities through the incorporation of a next-generation receptacle (NARANG).
- Integration of the GBU-16, a 500 kg laser-guided bomb.
- Improved flight safety with an automatic ground anti-collision system.
- Augmented support system featuring faster and more precise fault diagnosis.
