Introducing SPECTRA: Cutting-Edge Multi-Spectral Defense System for Rafale Aircraft

The safeguarding of the Rafale is assigned to the SPECTRA (Self-Protection Equipment to Counter Threats for Rafale Aircraft), a multi-spectral integrated defensive aids suite crafted by Thales in collaboration with MBDA.

SPECTRA operates across the realms of electromagnetic, laser, and infrared technologies, utilizing intelligent data fusion from various sensors to facilitate identification, localization, jamming, and decoying against a broad spectrum of threats.

SPECTRA is structured on a network of receivers and countermeasures. RF (radio frequency) detectors implement advanced techniques such as interferometry for precise direction-of-arrival and passive ranging, as well as digital frequency memory for signal coherence. The system additionally employs precise laser warning detectors with direction-finding capabilities, alongside a passive infrared missile warning system. Information from these three sensor suites is merged and processed by a central computer, which prioritizes and activates the appropriate countermeasures based on a comparison with an onboard threat database.

RF jamming is emitted through active phased antennas. The use of this cutting-edge technology allows the jamming signal to be concentrated in the area where it is essential, thereby enhancing its effectiveness while also minimizing the likelihood of detection by adversary sensors. Alongside RF jammers, the SPECTRA system includes mechanical countermeasures for dispensing chaff and decoys that are effective in both electromagnetic and infrared domains.
Apart from defending the Rafale, SPECTRA possesses a significant offensive capability. Fused sensor data provides threat tracks within the weapon system, viewable in the cockpit. These tracks can be utilized for targeting during defense suppression missions.

Furthermore, the data output from the SPECTRA sensors is exceptionally high in quality, permitting the system to be employed for the collection of Elint (electronic intelligence).
Emerging threats can be cross-referenced with the threat database, which can be updated with new intelligence. The output from SPECTRA is also recorded and can be downloaded upon the aircraft’s return to base for more comprehensive analysis at the ground-based support center. This enables the master threat databases to be refreshed, and revised data files to be produced for future missions.