Report: Rafale’s SPECTRA EW Suite Under Scrutiny After Indo-Pak Clashes
A French lawmaker has called for an overhaul of the Rafale fighter jet’s SPECTRA electronic warfare system following its alleged failure during recent clashes between India and Pakistan.
Marc Chavent, a member of the French Parliament, raised the issue in a written question to the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Citing “American analysts and intelligence data from NATO partners,” he said the Thales-developed SPECTRA system failed to detect or jam a PL-15E air-to-air missile fired by a Pakistani J-10C using the KLJ-10A AESA radar.
“This engagement raises a major strategic question: the SPECTRA electronic warfare system apparently neither detected nor disrupted an attack emitted in spectra that are now standard for low probability of intercept radars,” Chavent wrote.
The clash, which took place in early May, reportedly resulted in the downing of at least one Indian Air Force Rafale, according to CNN, which cited a senior French intelligence official.
Indian defense officials have confirmed the loss of an unspecified number of air platforms during the 87-hour conflict but have not specified whether Rafales were among them.
India’s Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan has denied Islamabad’s claim of downing six Indian jets, including three Rafales.
If confirmed, it would mark the first known combat loss of a Rafale.
Upgraded SPECTRA
Concerned over the alleged erosion of French defense technology, Chavent asked whether the upcoming Rafale F5 variant will feature an upgraded SPECTRA suite capable of countering advanced active electronically scanned array radars and active-guidance missiles.
The F5 is scheduled to enter full-scale development between 2026 and 2027 and will likely include new capabilities such as crewed-uncrewed teaming and next-gen weapons.
Projected to remain relevant till 2060, it will also include conformal tanks and radar cross-section reduction kits.
Meanwhile, Chavent also asked whether France is considering developing a dedicated electronic warfare variant of the Rafale — akin to the US Navy’s EA-18G Growler — for SEAD/DEAD (suppression/destruction of enemy air defenses) missions.
“This reflection becomes all the more urgent given that Chinese 5th generation platforms, such as the J-20 and potentially the FC-31, could be rapidly deployed in the Indo-Pacific region, introducing a capability leap in terms of stealth, sensor fusion, electronic warfare, and multi-domain interoperability,” he added.
SPECTRA Electronic Warfare System
Jointly developed by Thales and MBDA, SPECTRA (Self-Protection Equipment to Counter Threats for Rafale Aircraft) provides long-range detection, identification, and precise localization of infrared, electromagnetic, and laser threats.
Its defensive suite includes radar warning receivers, laser and missile warning systems, phased array jammers, and decoy dispensers.
Additional features include a dedicated management unit for data fusion and reaction decision.
