India Pushes for Quicker Delivery of Israeli X-Guard System to Strengthen Rafale Jets

India is actively pressing for the speedy delivery of the X-Guard fibre-optic towed decoy system from Israeli defence firm Rafael, aiming to significantly upgrade the self-defence capabilities of its Rafale fighter jets, according to a report by The Economic Times.

The X-Guard decoy is designed to protect fighter aircraft from enemy missiles by mimicking the jet’s radar signature, confusing enemy tracking systems.

High-Tech Defence for High-Risk Missions

The X-Guard system is a reusable decoy that’s already in extensive use by the Israeli Air Force, especially during high-threat combat missions. It is housed in a pod and connected to the jet via a fibre-optic cable, allowing it to be released mid-flight and towed behind the aircraft. This strategy helps divert radar-guided missiles away from the actual fighter jet.

The system has already been integrated and tested on India’s Rafale jets, confirming compatibility with the aircraft’s electronic warfare suite.

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Supply Delays Spark Urgency

While the Indian Air Force (IAF) had already placed orders for the X-Guard, delivery timelines have been affected by ongoing supply chain disruptions and geopolitical instability in West Asia. These delays have raised concerns within defence circles, especially given the strategic importance of the Rafale fleet in safeguarding Indian airspace.

India is now pushing for expedited delivery to ensure operational readiness and enhance fighter survivability in contested airspace.

The urgency underscores India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its air combat systems and maintain technological superiority in a rapidly evolving regional security landscape.

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