Rafale Marine Deal: After France refused to provide the source code of Rafale fighter jets, India is now moving towards fighter jets like Su-57 and advanced technology from Russia.

Rafale Marine Deal: French defense company Dassault Aviation is not ready to give the 'source code' of the Rafale fighter aircraft to India. Differences between India and France seem to be deepening over this technical flaw. India is trying to better integrate its Rafale fleet with indigenous missiles and defense systems, but the absence of 'source code' is becoming the biggest obstacle in this. Defense experts believe that in this situation, India can distance itself from France and prioritize fighter jet cooperation with Russia.

What is Source Code? (Source Code Of Rafale)

The 'source code' is the basic software of any advanced weapon system, through which the system works. Without this code, no country can customize or upgrade that weapon system according to its needs. India plans to integrate indigenous missiles like Brahmos, Indian radars and its satellite communication network in the Rafale jet. But France's refusal to provide the source code is hampering this process.

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When was the Rafale deal done? (Rafale Marine Deal)

In 2016, India signed a deal with France for 36 Rafale fighter jets. At that time, some special customization and technology transfer took place, but Dassault Aviation flatly refused to share the source code. This is the reason why whenever India has to install any indigenous weapon system in Rafale, it needs the permission and assistance of the French company.

This attitude of France is not new. India has not yet received the source code of the Mirage fighter aircraft, which it bought from France several decades ago. This also affects India's self-reliance and defense policy. Now when India wants to increase the production of indigenous defense equipment under the 'Make in India' program, technical independence has become its priority.

In this context, Russia has emerged as a potential and reliable partner for India. Russia has not only offered to give India the Su-57 fifth generation fighter jet, but has also agreed to share its technology and start its production in India itself. The Russian company that manufactures the Su-57 fighter aircraft has clearly stated that if the Indian government agrees, the production of Su-57 can be started from the Su-30MKI production line that already exists in India.

According to a report by Open Magazine, India is now reconsidering the recent deal of 26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jets with France. Rafale Marine was to be procured for the Indian Navy, but given the limitations of technical freedom and customization, this deal may also be cancelled.

Meanwhile, new discussions are taking place between India and Russia to increase defence cooperation. India's National Security Advisor is on a visit to Russia this week and it is believed that during this time there may be talks on the purchase of additional units of the S-400 air defense system as well as Russia's S-500 system. Russia has already partnered with India in the Brahmos missile and many defense technologies and it has been repeatedly indicating that it is ready to give full technical partnership to India.

The testing of the 'Kaveri' engine in India with the help of Russia is also an example. Kaveri is an indigenous turbofan engine, which is being tested on Russia's IL-76 aircraft. This test shows that India has to rely on Russia for technical infrastructure and assistance because Western countries are hesitant to provide such help.

In such a situation, there are clear indications that India will now give preference to such defense partners who are helpful in technology transfer and provide strategic independence to India. If France does not change its stance, then the cancellation of the Rafale Marine deal and India moving towards Su-57 is the need of the hour.

PC:PrabhatKhabar