PARIS: France has offered a comprehensive package’ on a combined defense deal for sale of Alpha advanced jet trainer, upgraded Mirage 20005 and technology transfer on magic Matra air to air missiles now in combat with the Indian Air Force.
The package was offered during talks between Indian and French Defence Ministry officials during visit here of Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao. The Defence Secretary, K.A. Nambiar and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S.K. Kaur, who were in Prime Minister entourage, held talks with the French Defense Ministry officials,
Though talks were mostly ‘informal’ in nature, the French Sid coffered a comprehensive deal on competitive terms for sale of at least 10 Mirage 20005 as battle attrition replacement for French interceptors now in combat formations with the JAF along with an overall reduced terms for the sale of Alpha jets.
Taking the opportunity of the Prime Minister’s visit which coincided with the Le Bourget Air show, the French organized a special trip for Rao and his entourage to the show which displayed all major air force weapons systems including the Alpha jet, Mirage 20005 and the Rafale advanced interceptor.
The French commercial airline companies did not lag behind. The airbus industries which are in competition with the US giant Boeing for sale of medium capacity long haul passenger aircraft to Air India unveiled its Airbus A330 aircraft.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 23, 1995
