New radar for fifty year old Mirage, will Pakistan really be able to give a direct aerial challenge to Rafale’s superiority?

Pakistan has decided to upgrade its Mirage-III and Mirage-V aircraft. These aircraft are about forty to fifty years old. Now Italy-made Grifo-E AESA radar will be installed in them. The report says that this radar can see up to about 157 kilometers. Can keep an eye on 24 air targets simultaneously. Pakistani experts are calling it a big leap. But the question remains whether just by changing the radar the age of the jet also changes.

Will it be easy to compete with Rafale?

India has Rafale fighter aircraft purchased from France. These are fitted with Spectra electronic warfare system. This system can jam the enemy’s radar. Rafale is equipped with modern missiles. Its speed, firepower and protective armor are more advanced. In such a situation, will the new radar of Mirage be able to see Rafale, this is the real question.

Was lack of money the reason?

Pakistan has been under economic pressure for a long time. Buying new fighter planes is an expensive deal for him. Therefore it has chosen the path of improving the old fleet. This step is believed to be an attempt to keep expenses low. But experts say there is a big difference between an upgrade and a new jet. New technology may increase some capacity, but the structure remains the same.

Is the air balance changing?

India has decided to buy 114 more Rafales. Apart from this, India also has S-400 air defense system. This system is capable of shooting down enemy aircraft and missiles from a distance. In such a situation, the air balance of South Asia seems tilted in favor of India. Pakistan is trying to balance it. But balance is achieved not just by numbers but by technology.

Will BVR missiles increase?

The report says that Pakistan is also increasing the number of BVR i.e. Beyond Visual Range missiles. These missiles can hit targets from a distance, but Rafale’s missiles and systems are considered more advanced. Radar power matters only when the platform is strong. The structure of Mirage is old. There is ongoing debate over how long this will last under modern conditions of war.

Is radar alone enough?

Defense experts believe that radar is definitely an “eye”. But the strength of a fighter aircraft is not measured by the eye alone. Engine capacity, missile system, electronic security and networking are all important. Rafael is ahead in all these matters. Installing a new radar in Mirage is an improvement, not a revolution. This difference shows the real picture.

Is this a strategic message?

This step of Pakistan is not only technical but also strategic. This is a message that he does not want to show his Air Force as weak. India’s growing purchasing power and modernization have created pressure. In such a situation, upgrade is the answer. But whether this answer is sufficient, the future will tell. At present it is certain that the air race in South Asia has intensified.