How active stealth and electronic warfare protect the Rafale in combat

The Indian Air Force’s most advanced fighter aircraft is the Dassault Rafale, of which it has acquired 36 and plans to induct 114 more. Until a stealthy fifth‑generation fighter enters service, this 4.5‑generation platform will remain the IAF’s most potent combat aircraft.Apart from stealth shaping, the Rafale shares many traits with fifth‑generation fighters, including advanced avionics, a high level of sensor fusion that fuses inputs from multiple sensors into a single picture for the pilot, strong network‑centric capabilities that let it both receive and share battlespace data, and the ability to supercruise—maintain supersonic speed without afterburners, which greatly reduces its heat signature.The Rafale is described as an “omnirole” fighter, meaning it can perform multiple mission types, often within a single sortie.In practice, this allows the aircraft to fly a precision strike mission while carrying air‑to‑air weapons for self‑escort, lase and designate its own targets, provide electronic warfare support through its…