The plan is between February or March (2026), the Air Force will receive the first batch (wave) consisting of three Rafale fighter jets. One of the opportunities for the first batch delivery was Rafale B (two seats) with the T-0301 number, which was successful in the inaugural flight on September 19, 2025 at Bordeaux-Mérignac, France.
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Rafale B that will be received by Squadron Air 12 in Roesmin Nurjadin Lanud is the F4 (Rafale B F4) variant. The F4 variant is the latest modernization standards for Rafale, focusing on the ability to fight in networks (network-centric warfare), massive data exchange, and increase operational readiness.
There is a significant difference between the variant of Rafale B F3 and Rafale B F4. As in Rafale B F4 has received a large increase in the ability to exchange high bandwidth data through link 16 and new air-to-air contact radio (NCW). Rafale B F4 has also been fully integrated with a new generation helmet display (HMD) for pilots. While Rafale B F3 has not been fully integrated.
The Rafale B F3 already uses RBE2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with capability that has been capable. However, Rafale B F4 added an increase in RBE2 AESA radar capabilities with new functions, including the Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) mode for better land targeting.
Rafale B F4 has received certification to bring new weapons, including the Mica Ng (Next Generation) air-air missile and a heavier AASM 1000 Kg precision bomb. Rafale B F4 gets an increase in the ability of the Spectra sensor (self -defense system) to detect threats more accurately and accurately.
Knowing Dassault Rafale B, Jet Training Combat with the Predicate of Battle Proven
For maintenance procedures, Rafale B F4 is integrated with sophisticated diagnostic capabilities on the aircraft to predict and detect damage automatically, increase the time of readiness.
The majority of the Dassault Rafale B fleet (two seats) and Rafale C (one seat) used by the French Air Force and Space (AAE) are currently still operating on F3-R standards or older F3 variants.
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Rafale B (two seats) is not just an ordinary combat training plane. Its main role extends far beyond training. In the Dassault Rafale design philosophy, the B variant (two seats) is considered as a fully operational and versatile fighter aircraft (Fully Operational Multirole Fighter) with several specific advantages compared to the C variant (one seat).
Rafale B is ideal for long distance missions or complex missions that require two pairs of eyes and hands. Pilots in the front seat focus on flights and air-to-air battles, while weapon system officers (WSO) in the back seat focus on sensor management (Radar Aesa, Spectra System), Network-Centric Warfare and Targets of Land Ammunism (such as cruise missiles or bombs.
In the mission of a deep land attack (deep strike) or interdiction that is at high risk and lasts a long time, the workload (WSO) is very high. The second seat is very important to ensure accurate targeting and managing the threat of enemy air defense that enters, especially when carrying weapons such as scalp-eg cruise missiles.
Although not its main role, Rafale B is also used as a conversion training platform. Pilots who are already adept at flying other fighter jets turn to Rafale B to study the Rafale flight system and characteristics under the instructor’s supervision. (Gilang Perdana)
Thanks to the drone services, the ‘dent’ inspection on the Rafale fighter jet body can be faster and more effective
