China downgrades its '5th Generation' Chengdu J-20 fighter jet; hyperventilates at Rafale

India's move to strengn its defence power has left China shaken and rattled. As country welcomes its 5 Rafale jets, China's state-backed mouthpiece Global Times released a report claiming that Rafales 'don't stand a chance' against China's J-20 stealth fighter jet. Calling Rafale 'a 3rd-generation jet,' CPC mouthpiece quoting Zhang Xuefeng, a Chinese military 'expert' claimed that J-20, 'a 4th-generation aircraft' is 'far superior' to Rafale. 

"Thanks to its AESA rar, vanced weapons and limited stealth techlogies, Rafale is comparable to or third-plus generation fighter jets used by or countries, but it will find it very difficult to confront a stealth-capable fourth-generation fighter jet," GT quoted Zhang.

What is amusing is that  Chinese expert has himself downgred Chengdu J-20 to a 4th generation aircraft, rebutting China's own claims, of touting Chengdu J-20 as a '5th generation aircraft.' It is important however to mention that re are only two 5th generation aircraft and US has both.

Also as China continues to latch on to its claims, a fourth-generation aircraft like Chengdu J-20 does t possess stealth capabilities, even if Chinese expert believes J-20 is 'stealth-capable'. China's J-20 has on many occasions been tracked down by India's 3rd generation Sukhoi Su-30MKIs in rast and Tibet border. 

On or hand, Rafale is a 4.5 Generation jet, whose capabilities are unmatched when it comes to its comparison with China's 'Mighty Dragon.' 

Former Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhaa on Friday demolished China's claims remarking that Chengdu J-20 was ' match' for Rafale. Tearing into China's propaganda, former IAF Chief revealed that Rafale's rar signature and supercruiseaility 'was one of best' across world, far superior in comparison to China's self-manufactured Chengdu J-20.

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What sets Rafale jet apart?

Rafale is fitted with 14 hardpoints and 13 India-specific enhancements. Its total external lo capacity is more than 9 tonnes. Hence, it can lift equivalent of its own empty weight in paylos. Its loitering capacity is 1.5 times that of Sukhoi. range is 780 to 1055 km as against 400-550 km of a Sukhoi jet. Similarly, Rafale jet can eng in 5 sorties per 24 hours against 3 by Sukhoi.

Moreover, Rafale is powered by two SNECMA M88 engines, which helps it attain a range of more than 3,700 km. Having a top speed of 2223 km, it is equipped with laser-guided bombs weighing 900 kg. 2500 rounds per minute can be fired from its internal cann.  Rafale considered as a 4.5 generation aircraft will w le IAF's fighter jets. Also, Rafale maintenance time per flight hour is 2.25 hours against 6-8 hrs for or fighters.

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