IAF
While Rafale is a 4.5 generation aircraft, China still claims that its J-20 is the 5th generation and has more capabilities to counter Rafale.
However, Retired Air Marshal R Nambiar, who tested the Rafale fighter jets for India, said, “Rafale is far superior to the J-20, the Chengdu fighter of China. Even though it’s believed to be a 5th generation fighter, it is probably at best a 3.5 generation aircraft. It’s got a third-generation engine as we have in the Sukhoi.”
But the Rafale engine is better in terms of reliability, longevity and maintainability, according to reports.
The J-20 was hyped to be a highly stealthy fighter jet and was said that it could conceal itself in operations and not be easily detected. And there has been a lot of speculation about J-20 stealth characteristics based on analysis by the Indian Air Force.
However, the Rafale is actually designed for a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) and infrared signature, which means it has the real stealth features.
Rafale beats the J-20 in almost every comparison and even in terms of weapons load systems and its combat abilities Rafale is more resistive than the J-20
According to a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official, “Rafale can lift loads up to 1.5 times its weight, which means it can carry weapons and fuel of far greater capacity than the J-20.”
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