As we all know, India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, INS Vikrant, is going to be inducted into service on 15 August 2022 by PM Narendra Modi. Both the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence is looking for a reliable Fighter Jet for INS Vikrant as the Navy doesn’t have enough fighter jets.
The Indian Navy got offers of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale M from France and Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet from the US. India will buy 26 fighter jets through a “Government to Government” deal.
Here we will talk about their capabilities, compare them and try to figure which is the most suitable jet for the Navy as both fighter jets are fighting in the race to get the deal in their favour however Navy is not interested in considering the MiG-29k as it doesn’t satisfy the Navy with its performance.
Both Rafale M and F/A-18 have been operating from a nuclear-powered Aircraft Carrier and use the “CATOBAR” (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) take-off system, but currently, India is operating a diesel-electric based Aircraft Carrier that uses “STOBAR” (short take-off but arrested recovery or short take-off, barrier-arrested recovery) based platform to help the jets to take off. Now both jets have to demonstrate their ability to take off from the “STOBAR” platform. Earlier this year, the Rafale M had already demonstrated its ability to take off from the STOBAR platform to the Navy at the Shore-based ski-jump facility at INS Hansa. The F/A-18 also arrived at INS Hansa in May and is currently demonstrating its ability to take-off.
Introduction to Dassault Rafale M
Dassault Rafale M is Single seater, twin-engine multi-role carrier-based fighter jet, designed to perform Air supremacy, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike, and nuclear deterrence missions. The Rafale M took the first flight on 24 July 1986 and got inducted into service on 18 May 2001. The Rafale has been also used in combat over Afghanistan, Libya, mail, Iraq, and Syria.
Introduction to Boeing F/A-18 E/F
Boeing F/A-18 E/F is Single seater, twin-engine, carrier based all-weather multi-role fighter jet, designed and developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) , derived from the latter’s YF-17, it can perform fighter escort, fleet air defence, suppression of enemy air defences’, air interdiction, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance. F/A-18 E/F took its first flight on 18 November 1978 and got into service on 7th January 1983. The F/A-18E/F has also participated in combat over 1986 Libya bombing, 1991 Gulf war and US invasion on Iraq 2003.
Comparing the capabilities and characteristics of both Rafale M and F/A-18E/F
| Category | RAFALE M | F/A-18 |
| Top Speed | 2.0 Mach | 1.8 Mach |
| Range (without Drop tank) | ||
| Range with Drop tank | 3,700 km | 3,300 km |
| Empty weight | 10,100kg | 14,500 kg |
| Length | 15.27m | 18.4m |
| Height | 5.30 m | 4.88 m |
| Wingspan | 10.80 m | 13.65 m |
| Wingspan after folding | —– | |
| Service ceiling | 17 km | 15km |
| Engine | Snecma M88 | General Electric F404 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 24,500 kg ( in case of STOBAR platform the weight will reduce ) | |
| Maneuverability | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Rate of Climb | Max. 300 m/s | Max. 228 m/s |
| Thrust/Weight | 1.13 | 1.03 |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| Radar | Thales rbe2-aa AESA radar | AN/APG-79 AESA radar |
| Cannon | GIAT 30M/719B | M61A1 Vulcan |
| Hardpoints | 13 | 11 |
| Cost | 130,000,000 USD | 80,000,000 USD |
| Grade | Excellent | Very Good |
Which fighter jet will the Navy consider buying?
Most probably the Indian Navy will consider the F/A-18E/F to buy for its Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant as F/A-18E/F has an edge over Rafale M because of its foldable wings and cheaper as compare to Rafale M which cost over 100 million. In the future the Indian Navy will have Indigenously developed Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) for its naval fleet,……
