Kerala-Based Firm To Manufacture Radar System For Rafale Fighter Jets; Inks Deal With French Company
Kochi, Kerala: SFO Technologies, the flagship company of NeST Group, based in Kerala’s Kochi, has secured a contract from French aerospace major Thales to produce complex wired structures for the ‘RBE2’ radar system for Rafale fighter jets.
The development has been hailed as a historic leap for India as a firm based in the country enters the radar supply chain of the Rafale fighter jet. The project is considered a boost to India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in defense.
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The Rafale fighter jets are manufactured by Dassault Aviation for the Indian Navy. A statement issued by Thales said the contract awarded was for the production of high-value, technically advanced complex wired structures of the ‘RBE2’ Radar of the Indian Rafale.
This is India’s first major order for high-value, technologically advanced complex wired structures —designed to withstand harsh environmental constraints.
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RBE2 AESA radar provides tactical situational awareness by enabling simultaneous, all-round detection and tracking of multiple air targets, both upwards and downwards. The ‘RBE2′ active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar is an integral part of the Rafale jets.
The equipment is capable of close combat and long-range interception of sea or land targets in cluttered environments, under all weather conditions. The radar incorporates a software architecture that allows it to evolve, anticipating new high-intensity challenges specifically designed for the Rafale.
Thales said that it continues to execute its ambitious localization roadmap, partnering with the aeronautics and defense ecosystem in India, following the order of 26 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Navy. The order marks an important milestone in Thales’ Make in India initiative for the localization of advanced radar systems, the French company highlighted, adding that it would boost local manufacturing capabilities for critical Rafale sub-systems supplied to the Indian Armed Forces.
