SEAnews 2015-04-20 ArtNo.45457

【Paris】Marking a breakthrough in the protracted talks for striking the French Rafale jet deal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced here on the 10 of April that India would buy 36 of the fighter planes in flyaway condition, citing critical operational requirements of the Indian Air Force.
　Mr. Modi made the announcement at a joint press conference with French President Francois Hollande after their summit talks at Elysee Palace. “Keeping in mind the critical operational necessity of fighter jets in India, I have talked to him [Hollande] and requested for 36 Rafale jets in flyaway condition as quickly as possible under a government-to-government deal,” he said.

○Germany cashes in on Rafale deal stalemate hardsells its Eurofighter to India

【New Delhi】India will not ink the mega $20 billion MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft) project to acquire 126 fighters till France agrees to stick to its original pricing, which led its Rafale fighter to defeat the Eurofighter Typhoon in commercial evaluation over three years ago.
　"Dassault has to adhere to its earlier commitments. No Indian government can finalize such a major project if the L-1 (lowest bidder) pricing is changed... it can be a deal-breaker despite political pressure from France," said a top source.
　Meanwhile, German Ambassador Michael Steiner said the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) was ready with its proposal to offer Eurofighter to India.

○In torpedo delay lies opportunity to build domestic industry

【New Delhi】The ceremony on the 6th April marking the "undocking" - or completion of work - on India's first Scorpene submarine should have occasioned relief. Yet, naval headquarters faces the lingering question: how will the navy's six Scorpenes fight, when their primary weapon - the Black Shark torpedo - is blocked by a ministry of defence (MoD) ban on the company chosen to supply these: Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquel (WASS) of Italy.
　WASS is a subsidiary of defence giant Finmeccanica, which the MoD proscribed after another subsidiary, AgustaWestland, came under investigation for bribing Indian officials in securing a euro 556 million (Rs 3,760 crore) contract in 2010, to sell the Indian Air Force (IAF) 12 AW-101 helicopters for VVIP travel. Amongst the procurements stalled was the purchase from WASS of 98 Black Shark heavyweight torpedoes for six Scorpenes, for about euro 300 million.

【News source】

India to buy 36 Rafale jets in ready condition

India may not ink $20 billion MMRCA project deal with France for Rafale

Germany cashes in on Rafale deal stalemate, hardsells its Eurofighter to India

In torpedo delay lies opportunity to build domestic industry

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