Eh? Better aerodynamics, sure. Better ECM suite? Quite likely vis a vis the baseline SH. But better radar? First time I’m hearing of this argument. Conventional wisdom pretty much skews the other way.

I do not really care about “conventinal wisdom”. Some modes are still lacking on RBE2 AESA (will come with F3R standard, but pilots and Thalès ppl are adamant about it. They expected similar performances, but in the end (due to UMS modules) performances are way above apg79 (sensitivity etc.)

What are modular engines? Can a module assembly unit from an F414 be put into the ‘modular’ Rafale engine?

LRU modules. And autodiagnostic of modules btw. So no MTBF… No ground retest after dismounting engine and changing one module. Much simpler maintenance.

Thx for clarification. I remember one poster explaining me FMS were fixed …

Where does you see a cost equity b/w a Rafale and a ASH?! Modernized Rafale cost 150M$ (india) and this comes Without Conformal fuel tanks (CFT) and stealthy Weapon pod. I won’t even mention the reliability issue with a matured fleet-wide aircraft and systems on one side, and last call improvisations on the other at a time when the Fr industry doesn’t shine on the reliability front (Thank you Airbus!).

F-18 E/F aerodynamic issues explain its pityful range (considering its size) and the need for CFTs. You are contradicting yourself comparing a “fleet wide” paperplane (ASH) with a reliable, efficient design (Rafale). Not to s&y about superior data fusion and SA, embedded ECM suite, superior aerodynamics, better radar (better modules and signal treatment), longer range and persistance, modular architecture, modular engines, better missiles, Grandad (F-18) was certainly good workhorse, but not as gifted as Rafale.

Spiderman camo?

so the other thread said IN doesnt want the Naval Tejas

everyone was saying the IAF had a grudge against HAL and were slowly dragging out the Tejas procurement
but here comes the IN effectively ending it

not too many options for a stobar. just MiG-29K or F-35B?

Insistent rumours here (i repeat, rumours) of IN negociating with DA to replace in a first step coastal Sqds of Mig 29 with Rafale and then placing them on IAC1/2

Based on Boeing PR effort they claim it to be 20% above that of a current block Super Hornet That’s as close one’s going to get short of an actual deal.

So roughly on par with Rafale, interesting times to come.

Best naval radar ,(NO) best missile load (naval) (precise), best AoA, best info display (NO), Credible Frontal RCS reduction (really, SH or ASH?) … Best price Which(SH or ASH again)?.

NO, doubtful, yes (AoA), NO, dubious and no idea (we don’t now the cost of ASH)

That is obviously not true as Hood stated otherwise (that is not my opinion, that is the opinion of the RCAF).

Sorry but i have to disagree. Hood stated that CF-118 fleet could last over 2025. Which doese not mean there is no urgent requirement for some more (modern?) planes.