In the latest exchange of air strikes between India and Pakistan, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) claims to have shot down three Rafale jets, a MiG-29, an SU-30, and a Heron surveillance drone. This development has ignited the debate over the strategic effectiveness of France’s Dassault Aviation Rafale against China-Pakistan collaborative JF-17 Thunder. While Pakistan holds near air parity against India, the recent arsenal engagements have raised fresh questions about the credibility of this balance and the effectiveness of operational swiftness over advanced technology.
JF-17 Thunder vs Rafale: A Comparative Analysis
While Rafale is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet, the JF-17 Thunder is a fourth-generation, lightweight, single-engine, multirole combat aircraft.
Size
In terms of size, Rafale is larger than JF-17, with a height of 5.34 m and a wingspan of 10.80 m, and has a greater payload capacity of 24.5 kg, compared to JF-17’s 12.4 kg.
Engine
Rafale also features twin engines with a combined thrust, enabling a higher thrust-to-weight ratio. Comparatively, JF-17 is a single-engine aircraft having a height of 4.72m and a width of 9.48 m.
Speed
Rafale has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (1,915 km/h) (1,034 knots), whereas the JF-17 has a speed of Mach 1.6 (1,960.1 km/h) (1,058 knots).
Range
Rafale has a range of 1,850 km (999 nautical miles) while JF-17 Thunder has 3,482 km (1,880 nautical miles). In terms of range, the JF-17 has a considerably longer unrefuelled range, which gives it an advantage over Rafale. However, the Rafale’s range can be extended through mid-air refuelling.
Cost
Rafale’s unit cost is $74 million (Rafale B) while JF-17 costs $25–32 million. Given all these technological advantages that Rafale holds, the shooting down of three jets by the PAF has made the credibility of Dassault Aviation questionable.
Stock Comparison of Dassault Aviation vs Chengdu Aircraft Corporation after the Indo-Pak Air Strikes
Dassault Aviation Company incurred a stock loss of 6%, while Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, which manufactures the J-10 and JF-17 fighter jets used by the PAF, saw its stock price rise to CNY 71.08, up 18% from the previous close. This stock fluctuation has made the capabilities of Rafale questionable in the global defence market. It is also expected that Dassault Aviation will get a further stock blow if any other Rafale is shot down during the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Su-30MKI vs F-16: A Comparative Analysis
Both the Su-30MKI and the F-16 are highly regarded in modern warfare, and while the former has been surpassed by the latter, both have impressive features. Consider the categories listed below to better understand their differences.
Generation
The Su-30MKI is classified as a 4.5 generation dual-engine fighter while the F-16 is a single-engine 4th generation multirole fighter.
Size
With a length of 21.9 metres and a wingspan spanning out to 14.7 metres, the Sukhoi 30MKI is significantly larger than the F-16 which has a length of 15 metres and a 9.96 metres wingspan.
Engine
The dual engines strapped onto the Su-30MKI remain slower in combat compared to the single strapped engine powering the F-16, which allows for faster speeds whilst taking on enemy interceptors.
Speed
The Sukhoi 30MKI clocks in at a maximum speed of 3.8 kilometres per hour during take-off and Mach 2 in sustained level flight while the F-16 retains maximum efficiency throughput.
Range
Unlike the F-16 which has 6.5 nautical miles of range, the Su-30MKI remains widely seamless throughout airspace without ever needing to land.
Equipped with drop tanks, the F-16 has an operational range of 4,220 km, giving it greater endurance during air-to-air combat and strategic missions.
Avionics & Sensors
Although the Su-30MKI’s larger radar cross-section is a detriment, it is still incredibly effective in electronic warfare boasting advanced infrared sensors, radars, and electronic warfare systems.
The F-16 is fitted with upgraded variants of modern AESA radar and highly integrated electronic countermeasures, which greatly increases its survivability and stealth capabilities while tracked by enemy radars.
Weapons & Tactics
Both aircraft are outfitted with an extensive arsenal of air-to-air missiles, including state-of-the-art BVRAAMs, significantly improving long-range combat. The Su-30MKI specialises locally in the air superiority and ground attack roles while the F-16 is renowned throughout the world for its extraordinary manoeuvrability in dogfights.
Both aircraft are supported by AWACS that provide real-time targeting data, making engagements extremely versatile.
Combat Record
The F-16 is well-known for its apparent combat success, achieving multiple victories in air conflicts. Recently, it participated on the Pakistani side of the conflict with India, aiding in the destruction of five Indian jets. The Su-30MKI has been successful performing multiple roles, but concerning reports indicate that it was shot down multiple times during recent exchanges which questions its effectiveness on the battlefield.
Cost
The Su-30MKI is claimed to be priced at $62 million per unit which considers its advanced functionalities and multi-role capabilities. The cost of the F-16 varies from 30 million to 70 million per unit based on the variant making it a relatively affordable option with impressive combat credentials.
Strategic Implication
The Su-30MKI versus F-16 confrontation highlights the technological sophistication of each aircraft and underscores the significance of tactical execution and real-time data integration in modern aerial combat. The Indo-Pakistani aerial confrontations underscore the susceptibility of advanced aircraft under such conditions. These aircraft represent the military doctrines of their nations, and the persistent strategic competition in South Asia is poised to influence future aerial combat strategies. The ramifications of this conflict on international relations illustrate the intersecting factors of aerial supremacy, national defense capabilities, and geostrategic positioning.
