ThePrint WorldViewWithSwasti: Expansion of ‘Rafale Club’, Pakistan’s access to sensitive tech & India’s concerns
Aug 27, 2025
Gregory Priolon, a former Intelligence Analyst at the French Air Force and expert on defense technologies, discusses vital security concerns regarding the expansion of the 'Rafale Club.' He highlights the risks of military tech leaks, particularly through Qatari training programs that could expose sensitive systems to Pakistani pilots. The conversation delves into how these dynamics challenge India’s defense posture, raising alarms about exports to countries like Qatar and Bangladesh, and emphasizes the need for India to demand stronger guarantees in future Rafale deals.
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Rafale Sales Create Data Exposure
- Buying Rafales also grants customers access to sensitive operational data, notably the Spectra EW suite.
- This access creates systemic leakage risks as more countries join the "Rafale club."
Doctrinal Exposure Through Qatari Pilots
- Qatar contracts retired Pakistani pilots to train and fly Rafales, giving Pakistan doctrinal exposure.
- That exposure can erode India's qualitative edge without direct source-code access.
Pakistan's Long Rafale-Ready Experience
- Pakistan has operated French platforms like the Mirage for decades, so many Pakistani pilots know Dassault systems well.
- That historical familiarity makes them attractive instructors in Gulf air forces and a conduit of know-how.