Export Boost
AW&ST
Feb 23, 2004
Launch of key software upgrade may improve Rafale's Singapore
prospects despite potential slowdown in French orders.
French plans to go ahead with an anti-ship/reconnaissance upgrade
for the Dassault Rafale fighter and ensure timely air force service
entry signal the government's willingness to boost the aircraft's
export potential. However, the extent of that support is
unclear.
Defense procurement agency DGA reaffirmed on Feb. 2 that an audit
ordered to evaluate whether existing Rafale delivery timetables can
be maintained --as well as who will pay for the impact of previous
stretchouts-- would have no effect on export sales. In particular,
the DGA said the review should not affect a Singapore air force
competition to be decided later this year. The Rafale has been
shortlisted for the 20-aircraft purchase, along with the Boeing
F-15 and Eurofighter Typhoon.
A dozen Rafales are currently in service with the French navy on
the Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier. These have only the basic
F1 software package, with a limited air-to-air engagement
capability, although a second flotilla with upgraded software is to
be added over the next five years.
Moreover, the DGA confirmed that a contract for development of a
software upgrade designed to add a strategic strike, reconnaissance
and antiship capability to the Rafale--the basis for the export
version being offered to Singapore-- would be awarded by month's
end. Known as F3, the upgrade is intended specifically for the new
ASMP-A missile that will equip France's nuclear fighter-bomber
fleet, but it will serve conventional applications as well.
In addition, the DGA insisted that further delays to the program,
which is already 10 years late, would not affect the planned dates
for introducing the aircraft into service with the French air
force. This is expected to be another key element in the Singapore
selection.
The first air force squadron equipped with the current F2
software--intended to improve air-to-air combat capabilities and
add a surface strike dimension-- will become operational in 2006,
as planned, the DGA said. The F2 package will allow the Rafale to
carry the new AASM modular standoff weapon and Scalp cruise
missile, integrated with the Damocles laser designator pod.
The first F3 nuclear-armed Rafale squadron will enter service in
2008, about in line with Singapore's target for initial operational
capability. This version will be associated with a new-generation
reconnaissance pod and other improvements. On Feb. 10, the DGA
issued MBDA an award to adapt the MM39 airborne version of the
Exocet antiship missile to the multirole version, as part of a
larger Exocet upgrade award.
Furthermore, the agency said new delays would not influence the
total number of Rafales to be acquired(294), and in particular a
pending buy of a new batch of multirole aircraft to supplement the
61 on order. The government said this purchase, which had been
expected in 2003, would go ahead this year, although it did not
specify whether the buy would cover all 59 aircraft originally
planned. In fact, officials noted, a lower delivery rate could
actually benefit the Rafale in Singapore, by freeing up production
slots.
For their part, Dassault Aviation executives noted that the second
issue in the audit--who is to pay for extra costs to replace
obsolescent electronics stemming from past delays-- will affect
only existing F1 standard aircraft, not future purchases. Replacing
these components will entail considerable redesign, testing and
rejigging of production that could cost several hundred million
dollars or more, they indicated.
Nevertheless, despite broad evidence of the government's good will,
Dassault officials--mindful of past refusals to support export
upgrades with state money-- remain unsure of the ultimate level of
public commitment. True, Singapore has been offered the possibility
of using air force training facilities in Cazaux, France, and
participating in development of a new RBE-2 active-phased array
antenna radar for the Rafale(AW&ST Nov. 10 , 2003,p.19).
But Dassault considers that a French government commitment to the
RBE2, which is only at the demonstration stage, may be crucial to
the outcome. Currently, France does not plan to launch development
of the radar until 2008. The RBE 2 would permit use of the
new-generation Meteor beyond-visual-range weapon, to be introduced
in 2012, as well as an all-weather metric-precision AASM version
and future suppression of enemy air defense systems(AW&ST June
23 , 2003,p.3
.
No indication was given about the number of aircraft that might be
affected by the possible delivery cutback. But the two air force
squadrons would account for around 40 of the 76 aircraft to be
delivered by 2008, and the naval flotilla for a dozen more.
