Rafale and Typhoon, not just worth it?

particulary to those that already operate advance 3rd,4th generation fighters (F-16, Flankers, F-15s, etc).

I found this on a site called ACIG while browsing for aircraft information..

I think this could lead to an interesting debate, so what do you guys think?

it concludes with:

Conclusions

Much like the EF2000,the Rafale may just not be worth it as it does not offer a huge advantage (if any at all) than the aircraft it was envisaged to defeat(advanced flanker derivatives), although it has stealth characteristics it’s not as stealthy as the F22 and further loses out due to the fact that all the weapons are carried externally. To add to it’s woes export orders are not forthcoming and the cost is too high – but the Rafale is badly needed by France(especially by the Aeronavale) and is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of roles than the EF2000 AND the flanker derivatives and can beat on paper all the unmodified Flankers which maybe in squadron service worldwide. This because the Su-35 and Su-37 are not in serial production and the most advanced Flanker derivative.

The SU-30MKI can only be made when French, British, Israeli, and Indian avionics and modifications are available, furthermore it is only in service with friendly countries which leaves the most advanced flanker which may potentially be hostile as the Su30MKK. The aircraft will replace more than five different types in France itself and may become worthwhile for those who do not already have a 4th/advanced 3rd generation fighter. The Naval Rafale with it’s air-to-air payload and range can in theory combine the performance of the layered defence provided by the F-14 Tomcats and strike ability provided by the F-18 Hornet to the US Navy.

(written by Vineet Srivastava) http://www.acig.org