India Rushes Israeli Missile-Decoy System for Rafale Jets

In response to growing regional instability in West Asia, India is fast-tracking the delivery of a critical defensive upgrade for its Rafale fighter jets — the X-Guard fibre optic towed decoy system developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.

This move comes amid supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tension affecting deliveries from the region, particularly Israel, where the decoy system is manufactured. Indian defence officials are pushing for quicker delivery of the system, which significantly enhances the self-protection capabilities of the Air Force’s Rafale fleet by allowing it to operate safely in contested airspace.

The X-Guard system, already in use by the Israeli Air Force, is a reusable airborne decoy that is connected to the aircraft through a fibre-optic line and deployed mid-flight during high-risk missions. It mimics the radar signature of the fighter jet, confusing enemy air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles and diverting them away from the actual aircraft. Once the threat is over, the decoy can be retracted and stored back into the pod during flight — a key advantage for extended missions.

Though the system has already been successfully integrated and tested on the Indian Rafales, its induction has been delayed due to the ongoing conflict and instability in West Asia. The Indian Air Force (IAF), recognizing the urgent need for enhanced survivability during operations, is working to accelerate the arrival of the pending systems despite current logistical hurdles.

India's 36 Rafale jets, acquired from France, have already received several customised upgrades to suit operational requirements. These include:

• Helmet Mounted Displays (HMDs) for better pilot situational awareness

• Infrared Search and Track (IRST) sensors to detect enemy aircraft passively

• Ability to operate from high-altitude airfields such as Leh and Srinagar

These jets played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, during which the IAF carried out precision strikes on terror hubs in Bahawalpur and Muridke, along with follow-up missions that targeted key Pakistani military infrastructure. During the operation, SCALP long-range cruise missiles launched from Rafales struck several high-value assets, including UAV hangars, command centres, and early warning aircraft.

With tensions on multiple fronts and evolving air combat threats, the integration of systems like X-Guard represents a vital step toward ensuring India’s air dominance and the safety of its frontline fighter platforms. The expedited induction would bolster the IAF’s readiness for both defensive and offensive missions in volatile zones.