Mk1 Eagle Eye - 50nm visual detection?

Background:
Playing EC2003 Bear Baiting user scenario, red AI is consuming my Rafales fast. The F2 and F3 versions have only the 27nm Mica AAM vs. +40nm Alamos and Adders, but theoretically this should be manageable with the help of the Rafale's low RCS, the Su-27S 65nm radar detects it at max 12nm and even the Su-27SM's 135nm radar has max 25nm range on it (don't mess with the Su-35 though ).
But in practice the Sukhois either pre-launch me or immediately return fire even if I use IR Mica from the rear, e.g. they have already fix on me when I approach. How?

I turncoated my iterated save files to witness the detection event myself and it was
that red Fighters on low altitude detect blue, high Rafales as they come closer than 50nm, even if the Rafale approaches outside of the front 60^o arc. This is both for military and cruise throttle (I avoided AB).

Is this working as intended? 50nm visual detection on a Rafale feels extreme.

Attached save file, it is turncoated to Blue AI, Red Human.
DQA is attacking ZJA on medium.
Set DQA to high and ZJA will visually detect DQA come the next cycle.