France, India inch towards signing submarine deal

afp ^ | 2/20/02

[Ranger]

France and India are at a crucial stage in their negotiations over the sale of six French-built Scorpene submarines, officials said in New Delhi on Wednesday.

The two sides are currently discussing costs and possible technology transfers by the manufacturers of the Scorpene for the Indian Navy, which is looking beyond its traditional arms supplier Russia for SSK class submarines.

The Scorpene is jointly built by DCN of France and Izar of Spain and each of the submarines are expected to cost around 15 billion rupees ($ 320 million).

"We are expecting some tangible results by the end of March and maybe then a formal agreement can be signed," a highly-placed Indian naval source said.

India and the French-led consortium began negotiations for the Scorpene package some two years ago with New Delhi insisting on technology transfers to build four of the six submarines here.

"The costs and the package are still on the negotiating table but we are quite confident of a quick result," the source said.

India was reportedly unhappy with DCN for the outright sale of one Augusta submarine to rival Pakistan and the transfer of technology for two more such vessels.

"But we are not putting any pressure on the French firm to walk out of the deal as its agreement with Pakistan has already been finalised," the source said, adding that two of the Augustas are being currently built at Pakistani shipyards while the first one was already operational.

[Destructor]

How do you go about surrendering a submarine?

[ken5050]

Given the operating standards of the French aircraft carrier, I hope the Indians get the extended warranty on the subs..

[Destructor]

Now keep in mind it wasn't designed to actually fight. It was designed for the comfort of whatever Navy it is surrendered to in the (unlikely) event of war.

[ken5050]

Yep..the French have replaced the munitions locker on their warships with a wine cellar.....that's why French ships don't spend much time on maneuvers..the wine doesn't "travel well."

[rohry]

France and India are at a crucial stage in their negotiations over the sale of six French-built Scorpene submarines, officials said in New Delhi on Wednesday.

...affectionately called Le Submarine

[ken5050]

Maybe India is buying six Blimpie franchises...??

[historian1944]

For a minute I thought the Indians were selling the French some submarines!

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

"How do you go about surrendering a submarine? "

On a French submarine, you just prop open the screen door and wave, while shouting, "Veuillez venir dans une boisson de vin!"
(Please come in for a drink of wine!)

[gridlock]

Wait a minute. There is a little bit of Imperial imperialism going on here with the measurements. The proper healine should be:
"France, India centimetre toward signing submarine deal".
Anything else is unacceptable. The Eurocrats have spoken.

[rohry]

French jokes are the funniest! Keep them coming!

[Cobra64]

I heard that the first trial run went very well. It submerged perfectly...

[Cobra64]

For a minute I thought the Indians were selling the French some submarines!

So did I !!!

[Cobra64]

Why are the French building submarines. I thought the French were allergic to water (and soap).

[E Rocc]

France and India are at a crucial stage in their negotiations over the sale of six French-built Scorpene submarines, officials said in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Are the automatic white flags optional or standard?

-Eric

[Madiuq]

bump

[Madiuq]

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