in fact, Talios pod will give powerful IRST... About the lack of low collateral damga weapon, you are right, but the definition phase was "near complete" in june. We will see.
It's not only about low collateral damage, but about getting the most out of the AASM and as good as the 250 were, Sagem / MDBA simply missed the bus on further developments. It's like Blackberry that missed the bus with going to touchscreen display mobiles, suddenly nobody wanted it, even they were good quality mobiles in general. That's why not even French forces want the AASM 125, since it hardly adds advantages other than the extended range.
So an upgrade with limited effect, is simply not good enough, just as the Talios pod might be a nice upgrade in general, but it comes too late of offers too little to justify high costs and delays. No customer will attach it to Rafale, just to substitute the lack of a proper IRST don't you think?
If the French forces had the choice to carry 2 x quadpacks of SPEAR 3, or 6 x AASM 125, what whould they prefer?
More load for CAS, more range for SEAD, more capability against low collataral damage targets, at most likely lower costs.
Similarly, would they prefer a proper FSO IR channel or an external Talios pod with IRST capabilities?
AASM, MICA and FSO are maybe the most important parts of the Rafale, next to SPECTRA, but the upgrade decision on the earlier 3 were pretty bad and will limit their future potential.
According to this report Rafale deal is expected to be signed by next month end as contract negotiation committee has almost finished its tasks and will submit its report very soon.
Nothing new, we keep hearing the expected signature date at the end of the year since january, so no point in getting hopes high. Just wait and see when it finally happens mate.
