This is an article put up by Zeron in the Navel section but I'd like everyone to focus on the highlighted section.
Pakistan Seeks 3 Subs From France
New Design Would Free DCN of Spanish Partnership
By PIERRE TRAN, PARIS
Pakistani interest in three attack submarines is forcing France to make hard decisions over industrial interests vested in the DCN naval systems company and diplomatic and economic relations with Spain and India, analysts said.
Islamabad intends to spend $1 billion to $1.2 billion on three patrol submarines, preferably of a new design from DCN but possibly of the German 214 class, a Pakistani official said.
But the potential sale of high-tech weapons to Pakistan may be too much for the French government to swallow. The deal would steady employment at DCNs Cherbourg sub yard, but would likely antagonize India, with whom Paris recently signed a defense agreement. New Delhi also is a submarine customer, having recently purchased six of DCN?s Scorpene attack subs.
The sale of an all-French design also might raise hackles in Spain. The Spanish are partners in building the Scorpene, but Spain?s Navantia yard is teaming with Lockheed Martin on its S-80 boat.
The Pakistani official said Islamabad is interested in a single-hull submarine,distinct from quieter, more expensive double-hulled boats. ?We have made it known there is a requirement for three submarines.
Islamabad wants a formal offer within six months from Armaris, the naval marketing joint venture of DCN and French systems house Thales, so it can order the subs within a year, the official said.
So now PAF wants to get some thing big. Well, it will be nice if PAF is succeeded to get about 50+ Rafale or Typhoon. :banana2:
[Mod Edit: This is essentially a naval related article and if you wish to discuss the airforce paragraph out of it, you should only quote that and provide us with your thoughts as well. Simply copy, pasting an article doesn't initiate any discussion. Please make changes to this post of yours or this thread risks closure. Thnx]
Pakistan Seeks 3 Subs From France
New Design Would Free DCN of Spanish Partnership
By PIERRE TRAN, PARIS
Pakistani interest in three attack submarines is forcing France to make hard decisions over industrial interests vested in the DCN naval systems company and diplomatic and economic relations with Spain and India, analysts said.
Islamabad intends to spend $1 billion to $1.2 billion on three patrol submarines, preferably of a new design from DCN but possibly of the German 214 class, a Pakistani official said.
But the potential sale of high-tech weapons to Pakistan may be too much for the French government to swallow. The deal would steady employment at DCNs Cherbourg sub yard, but would likely antagonize India, with whom Paris recently signed a defense agreement. New Delhi also is a submarine customer, having recently purchased six of DCN?s Scorpene attack subs.
The sale of an all-French design also might raise hackles in Spain. The Spanish are partners in building the Scorpene, but Spain?s Navantia yard is teaming with Lockheed Martin on its S-80 boat.
The Pakistani official said Islamabad is interested in a single-hull submarine,distinct from quieter, more expensive double-hulled boats. ?We have made it known there is a requirement for three submarines.
Islamabad wants a formal offer within six months from Armaris, the naval marketing joint venture of DCN and French systems house Thales, so it can order the subs within a year, the official said.
(The country also is looking to buy 25 to 30 highly capable fighter aircraft, and is considering the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab JAS 39 Gripen, the official said. A Pakistani delegation is due to go to Italy next month to see the Typhoon go through flight trials, he said. The pursuit of the Pakistan deal shows DCN wants to develop new subs for export.)
So now PAF wants to get some thing big. Well, it will be nice if PAF is succeeded to get about 50+ Rafale or Typhoon. :banana2:
[Mod Edit: This is essentially a naval related article and if you wish to discuss the airforce paragraph out of it, you should only quote that and provide us with your thoughts as well. Simply copy, pasting an article doesn't initiate any discussion. Please make changes to this post of yours or this thread risks closure. Thnx]