IAF Wanted GaN Radar for Rafale, but Thales Delays Forced GaAs Variant

The Indian Air Force (IAF)’s Rafale fleet is confronting a significant technological challenge as delays in the delivery and export of advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) radars from France threaten to widen the operational gap with China’s stealth fighters. Originally, India sought the GaN variant of the RBE2 AESA radar for its Rafale jets, which offers superior detection capabilities, enhanced resistance to electronic warfare, and improved thermal management compared to the older Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) systems. However, setbacks at French defense giant Thales in testing and export development forced the IAF to settle for the less capable GaAs version.

Despite the Rafale program’s strategic importance, India was unable to secure future integration rights for the GaN radar as part of the original deal signed in 2016, which only included the delivery of the F3R version of the aircraft without binding commitments for upgrades. This has raised concerns within the Indian defense establishment, especially in light of growing tensions with China and the increasing capabilities of its Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter.

The GaN technology, which has been part of France’s Rafale modernization program since the F4.2 upgrade, provides roughly double the power output in a compact design, enabling longer detection ranges—estimated at a 20-30% improvement—multi-target tracking, and enhanced immunity against jamming systems. These capabilities are vital in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat scenarios, where situational awareness and sensor fusion determine survival and mission success.

In contrast, the J-20 is believed to be equipped with a GaN-based AESA radar similar to China’s Type 1475 system, reportedly capable of detecting targets over 300 kilometers away and tracking multiple threats simultaneously. Additionally, it boasts advanced electronic warfare systems, decoy pods, and frontally optimized stealth features, further widening the capability gap. Without GaN radars, the Rafale's operational effectiveness depends heavily on coordination with AWACS platforms and other assets, limiting its ability to independently confront adversaries like the J-20.

The trials for the GaN radar began as early as 2014, but industrial limitations, certification hurdles, and budgetary constraints led Thales to prioritize French aircraft modernization over export commitments. As a result, operational GaN radars for export only began rolling out in 2024, leaving India to operate without the latest technology for nearly a decade despite its investment of approximately €7.8 billion in the Rafale program.

This dependency on foreign timelines and technologies has sparked debate within Indian defense circles. Without access to manufacturing or integration rights, the IAF must rely on French logistical chains through Mérignac and Limours for radar maintenance and upgrades, further complicating readiness during high-tension scenarios along the Himalayan border.

India’s indigenous efforts, such as the Uttam AESA radar under development by Bharat Electronics Ltd. and DRDO for the Tejas Mk2, are still years away from meeting the performance benchmarks necessary for frontline fighters like the Rafale. The absence of mature GaN technology domestically leaves India strategically vulnerable, despite ongoing investments in research and development.

Within the IAF, voices are emerging advocating diversification toward platforms that feature native GaN radars, such as the Russian Su-57 equipped with the N036 Byelka system or the American F-15EX with its next-generation radar suite. However, formal agreements for these alternatives have not yet materialized.

On the French side, the industrial bottleneck remains acute. Europe’s sole certified military-grade GaN production line in Limoges can only produce a limited number of radar modules annually, far below global requirements. Thales has reportedly delivered only 4 to 6 GaN units for export trials in 2025, all earmarked for pilot programs rather than full-scale deployment.

While the French Ministry of Armed Forces has avoided public comment, internal discussions are believed to be underway to accelerate production and meet international demand. Plans under consideration include making GaN radars available for export by late 2026, with operational integrations beginning in 2027. However, given the escalating Indo-Chinese border tensions, this timeline is viewed by some in New Delhi as dangerously delayed.

The situation underscores a broader challenge in global defense procurement—how strategic partnerships and technology transfer agreements must keep pace with battlefield realities. For India, the GaN radar setback is more than a technical hiccup—it is a test of sovereignty, resilience, and the ability to confront emerging threats in an era of rapid technological advancement. The coming years will determine whether India can bridge this gap or remain at a strategic disadvantage in Asia’s most volatile airspace.