Posted on 04/05/2010 6:07:17 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
India inks Mirage deal, France says no to Pak
Manu Pubby Posted online: Monday , Apr 05, 2010 at 0822 hrs
New Delhi : India last week finalised a $2.2 billion deal with France to upgrade its fleet of Mirage 2000 fighters, even as reports from Paris say the country has suspended the sale of electronics and missiles for Pakistan’s JF 17 fighters, supposedly under “Indian pressure”. While the IAF deal for upgradation of 51 fighters had been hanging fire for the past two years, sources said the Price Negotiation Committee last week finalised the cost. The deal is likely to be signed shortly.
At $2.2 billion, the cost of the upgrade is considered to be on the higher side, given that several countries are offering new fighters for that price. However, the French argue that the upgrade, which will give the aircraft new radar systems, a new weapon suite, missiles, electronic warfare system and modern electronic warfare, will convert the combat-proven aircraft into next-generation fighters.
The final price negotiations were held even as reports from Paris, carried by French newspapers and agencies, said that its plans to sell $1.6 billion worth of military equipment for Pakistan’s JF 17 fighters had been put on hold.
The reports said that the contract was suspended under Indian pressure and doubts over Pakistan’s ability to pay for the systems.
How come I never read about a country wanting to buy Saab fighters?
Well one of the reasons may be the fact that a lot of content onboard Saab fighters is foreign (US and European).
http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/the-dewline/2009/07/analyst-us-loses-in-iai-gripen.html
There were similar allegations during Poland’s purchase of F-16s where the Gripen was a competitor. Back in the 70s, India had shortlisted the Viggen, but the US refused clearance for the engine which was the variant of a P & W product.
I guess that makes sense.
Sort of like Taiwan building those Tapei fighters? So its okay to build your own planes from bought parts but you better not try to resell them!
Kind of undercuts Saab's promotional pitch line: Gripen IN – The independent choice.
(Besides, I thought Sweden was European...)
European unity goes for a toss when it comes to export competitions. Thales was initially chosen to co-develop the Gripen’s new radar but they backed out.
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