Nice try but the MMRCA’s conditions were spelled out in the RFP. Dassault’s ‘proposal’ to build it with Reliance was always a nonsensical non-starter.
Well.. Dassault’s the only one out there that’s led by a felon; usually CEOs resign in disgrace once convicted. In India, Boeing, LM, Saab, Airbus et al have all partnered with ‘normal’ engineering companies (Tata, Mahindra, L&T etc). That Dassault chose to partner with Reliance instead speaks volumes.
You’re right insofar as legality goes – Dassault’s hasn’t been indicted for any illegal business in India (investigation into the Dassault/DCNS-linked arms dealer is still ongoing). But then nobody’s asking for it to be prosecuted. What we’re actually doing is discussing the local production deal and how it may be used to spur the domestic industry.
Both Lockheed Martin and Saab have partnered with TASL (Tata), which will be able to use it to emerge as a true private sector alternative to HAL. Dassault meanwhile has signed a JV with Reliance, which will no doubt do an excellent job of rubber-stamping offset agreements and greasing the political wheels.
Excepy that Dassault group CEO is NOT Serge Dassault (who’s case was cancelled by european court btw). PS Dassault Aviation have nothing to do with DCNS. and you talk about BS? And -believe me or not- i checked and there IS an option clause.
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