France intends to compete for the "pie" of the Indian defense budget. Yesterday, January 10, the portal defencenews.in He said that during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President's diplomatic adviser Emmanuel Bonnet, a proposal was made to localize production of Rafale fighters and Panther helicopters in India.
France is ready to offer India one hundred percent localization of production of Panther multi-purpose helicopters. As for the Rafale fighters, India can be given 70% of production. Thus, France intends to persuade India to buy French military equipment, as the Indian Air Force and Navy are actively looking for new aircraft.
Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force
Image Source: defensenews.com
France is also ready to lease six Airbus 330 air tankers to India, and allow ships of the Indian Navy to use the French military base in Djibouti. In addition, the rapprochement with France allows India to "annoy" Pakistan-France can completely refuse to supply weapons to this country, as well as refuse to upgrade and repair Mirage III fighters and Augusta submarines.
Panther Helicopter
Image Source: defensenews.com