[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence video] The Rafale Fighter Jet Introduced by India Is

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The United States, France, Russia, and others attacked Syria in 2015 to repel the Islamic Sunni militant group IS (Islamic State), which was conducting terrorist and armed activities. The deployed forces boasted world-class capabilities.

At that time, the force France deployed was the Dassault Rafale fighter jets launched from the Arab Emirates and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 2001, the Charles de Gaulle is a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the only aircraft carrier operated by France. The Charles de Gaulle has a full load displacement of 42,000 tons and can carry 40 carrier-based aircraft including Rafale M, Super ?tendard fighters, and E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft.

The Rafale fighter jets, which led the operation, were independently developed by France and were deployed in the 2011 Libyan civil war, the 2013 Mali conflict, and last year's IS airstrikes. Its maximum combat radius is 1,852 km, and its top speed is Mach 1.8. The Rafale can be equipped with ASMP-A cruise nuclear missiles (range 500 km), AASM air-to-ground missiles (range 55 km), and Storm Shadow missiles (range 250 km).

The Rafale fighter jets, proven in wartime performance, were also introduced this month by the Indian Air Force (IAF). India plans to station the Rafale jets at the Hasimara Air Force Base near the border area where it has disputes with China.

The Rafale was developed as an omni-role, that is, a multi-purpose fighter jet. In addition to air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, it can perform reconnaissance, aerial refueling between fighters, and even possesses nuclear strike capability. Compared to the Eurofighter Typhoon or F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, the Rafale has the smallest length and wing area. However, its weapon load capacity and thrust-to-weight ratio are by no means inferior. Along with this, advanced new materials were boldly applied from the development stage to achieve small size, lightweight, and stealth capabilities. Most of the fuselage and wings are made of composite materials, and radar-absorbing materials were used on parts with large radar reflection areas to enhance survivability. Unlike the F-22 or F-35 fighters, the Rafale is not a fully stealth fighter, but some classify it as a semi (half) stealth fighter.