The Indian Air Force (IAF) must decide whether to wait for the more sophisticated Rafale-F5 version, which is powered by the M88 T-Rex engine, or purchase Rafale-F4 aircraft for its immediate operational needs.
With improved avionics, sophisticated sensors, increased connection, improved mission systems, and compatibility with more weapon types, the Rafale F4 significantly outperforms previous standards. In India, its omni-role architecture and multi-role capacity may be deployed in a matter of months, filling vital gaps in precision attack, networked operations, and air superiority. With configurations already producing results in export markets like the United Arab Emirates, the F4’s well-established supply chain guarantees dependability and speedy induction.
The Rafale F5 offers major improvements without increasing engine size or ownership costs, including 20% more thrust through the M88 T-Rex engine (88 kN), better fuel efficiency, and modular maintenance. A new operational paradigm will be shaped by F5, which will combine next-generation electronic warfare, sophisticated sensors, and future weaponry. It is also intended to work with unmanned combat aircraft that are stealthy. Although there will be a significant wait, the fleet will be in line with India’s next-generation doctrine and deterrent requirements when it enters service in the early 2030s.
One important difference is that the F4 cannot be converted to the F5, and the new engine and drone-teaming technology will need a complete redesign of the F5 airframes, making them larger, heavier, and more motorized. Therefore, it is not possible to retrofit F4 jets to F5 specifications, which would result in major operational, budgetary, and logistical challenges if the IAF decides to stick with F4 in the meantime.
While waiting for F5 would put the country at risk of combat force shortfalls that could last for at least five years, acquiring Rafale F4 now would solve urgent squadron strength needs by 2026–2027. The delivery of the F5 is also contingent upon France’s own operational certification and induction procedure, and export customers may see further delays in supply schedules. The F4 model might be more compatible with IAF’s domestic manufacturing goals, which would help with knowledge transfer and industrial ramp-up.
Rafale F4 has the advantage of established operational doctrine, extensive pilot and maintainer training, and existing infrastructure. If the F5’s M88 T-Rex engine is selected as the first induction standard, there will be schedule and integration risks because it still needs new certification, spares scaling, and training even though it is modular and backwards compatible. A future F5 upgrade is not excluded by choosing F4 today, enabling a progressive improvement as the ecosystem develops.
In addition to providing quick combat capability, filling readiness gaps, and utilizing a proven platform, adopting the Rafale F4 for immediate induction paves the way for a smooth transfer to the F5/M88 T-Rex as supply networks and doctrines develop in the 2030s. This two-phase strategy supports India’s aspirations for industrialization and air power by striking a balance between short-term operational requirements and long-term force modernization.
However, F4 would seem antiquated by the time F5 is operational (after 2030), and resource diversion might impede the advancement of indigenous AMCA and future-proofing measures. Up until the 2040s, F5’s long-term potential—AI support, more drone integration, and enhanced survivability versus stealth fighters—better suits strategic requirements.
