Belgium Rejects French Lobbying for Rafale Fighters, Sticks to Tender Process

[Zarvan]

Belgian F-16 fighting falcon (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Belgium has rejected French offer of Rafale fighter jets for the country’s bid to replace aging F-16 fighter jets.

“The French government already promised an economic return of 4 billion, there is now even 20 billion. This is mainly proof that the lobby machine is running at full speed, Minister of Defense Steven Vandeput (N-VA party) was quoted as saying by De Standaard, Belgian news daily Thursday.

'The French offer is too good to be true. The lobbying is running at full speed that is clear now. But we have opted for a straightforward and objective method via the RfGP (Request for Government Proposal, tender through the authorities). It’s a pity that France is taking a different route. The claims that their offer did not fit within it is simply incorrect. The criteria are clear. Period,” Vandeput said.

Steven Vandeput sees no solution to the replacement of the F-16 in the French proposal. It is best to talk about a collaboration for a new aircraft, but the deadline of 2023, when the first F-16s are taken out of circulation, is therefore unachievable.

Belgium had called for tenders in March to replace its ageing fleet of 34 F-16 fighter aircraft for an estimated $4.2 billion. Lockheed Martin and Eurofighter have submitted an official bid for the program but Dassault has not offered a bid.

The French defense minister, Florence Parly had earlier this month, offered technology and economic partnerships with Belgium, if it is ready to buy Rafale fighter jets.

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/21...ghters__Sticks_to_Tender_Process#.WkZEW9-WZPY

 

[BHarwana]

I have a question France has offered Technology transfer to India and India rejected it now Belgium has also rejected it. What is wrong with Rafale technology.

 

[Papa Dragon]

I have a question France has offered Technology transfer to India and India rejected it now Belgium has also rejected it. What is wrong with Rafale technology.

India never rejected ToT. Buying 126 Rafales deemed to be way too expensive with the cost escalations and both govts couldn't settle on the price. I guess Congress govt being way too corrupt weren't offered the kickbacks and commissions they demanded and that is why negotiations have been going on forever.

Hence, NDA govt decided on purchasing 36 Rafales as a stop gap but didn't go for ToT/local production as it would take quite a lot of time to set up and install facilities along with training manpower on such complex systems.

But, I'm pretty sure there would be a follow on order for IAF and if IN also decides to go with the Rafale-M for their next AC, Rafales would be produced locally with significant ToT

 

[BHarwana]

India never rejected ToT. Buying 126 Rafales deemed to be way too expensive with the cost escalations and both govts couldn't settle on the price. I guess Congress govt being way too corrupt weren't offered the kickbacks and commissions they demanded and that is why negotiations have been going on forever.

Hence, NDA govt decided on purchasing 36 Rafales as a stop gap but didn't go for ToT/local production as it would take quite a lot of time to set up and install facilities along with training manpower on such complex systems.

But, I'm pretty sure there would be a follow on order for IAF and if IN also decides to go with the Rafale-M for their next AC, Rafales would be produced locally with significant ToT

I don't agree with you here because those 126 jets were cheaper with TOT then the currently bought if you bring in per unit cost. India is still looking for Alternate TOT and a fighter jet so going totally in on Rafale would have been a good option.

 

[Papa Dragon]

I don't agree with you here because those 126 jets were cheaper with TOT then the currently bought if you bring in per unit cost. India is still looking for Alternate TOT and a fighter jet so going totally in on Rafale would have been a good option.

126 jets for 20bn is a speculation but isn't an official figure and that is where both countries hassled during the UPA regime. Not just you guys but even Indians were mocking the UPA govt to take a decision due to IAF's dwindling numbers

 

[mike2000 is back]

Belgian F-16 fighting falcon (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

Belgium has rejected French offer of Rafale fighter jets for the country’s bid to replace aging F-16 fighter jets.

“The French government already promised an economic return of 4 billion, there is now even 20 billion. This is mainly proof that the lobby machine is running at full speed, Minister of Defense Steven Vandeput (N-VA party) was quoted as saying by De Standaard, Belgian news daily Thursday.

'The French offer is too good to be true. The lobbying is running at full speed that is clear now. But we have opted for a straightforward and objective method via the RfGP (Request for Government Proposal, tender through the authorities). It’s a pity that France is taking a different route. The claims that their offer did not fit within it is simply incorrect. The criteria are clear. Period,” Vandeput said.

Steven Vandeput sees no solution to the replacement of the F-16 in the French proposal. It is best to talk about a collaboration for a new aircraft, but the deadline of 2023, when the first F-16s are taken out of circulation, is therefore unachievable.

Belgium had called for tenders in March to replace its ageing fleet of 34 F-16 fighter aircraft for an estimated $4.2 billion. Lockheed Martin and Eurofighter have submitted an official bid for the program but Dassault has not offered a bid.

The French defense minister, Florence Parly had earlier this month, offered technology and economic partnerships with Belgium, if it is ready to buy Rafale fighter jets.

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/21...ghters__Sticks_to_Tender_Process#.WkZEW9-WZPY

Hmmm....... Hopefully they go for our typhoons. At least a European solution.

 

[Blue Marlin]

I have a question France has offered Technology transfer to India and India rejected it now Belgium has also rejected it. What is wrong with Rafale technology.

the french are lobbying to the point that they attempts reek of desperation and the dutch can see that. if they played by the book then it would stands a chance.
as for india no comment other then 36 cots from france

 

[Trango Towers]

I have a question France has offered Technology transfer to India and India rejected it now Belgium has also rejected it. What is wrong with Rafale technology.

Stings

 

[Blue Marlin]

Hmmm....... Hopefully they go for our typhoons. At least a European solution.

indeed but do consider they are a partner for the f35.
they can have a separate requirement more suited for the f35 which can work along side the typhoon for missions such as long range(maritime) patrolling and air superiority