Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts

Monday, December 18, 2023

Greek Military Advancement: US Greenlights Black Hawk Helicopters Amidst Diplomatic Shifts and Turkish Fighter Jet Challenges




The United States has given the green light for the transfer of a significant military package to Greece, including 35 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and additional military equipment, with a total value of $1.95 billion. The announcement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on December 15 highlights the depth of strategic cooperation between the two nations. This move is particularly noteworthy as it unfolds against the backdrop of Greece's substantial commitment to bolster its defense capabilities.

The comprehensive deal includes UH-60 M-type (Black Hawk) helicopters along with a range of military armaments such as miniguns, machine guns, rockets, advanced electronic suits, training programs, and logistical support. Lockheed Martin's subsidiary, Sikorsky, will serve as the principal contractor for this significant military transaction.

Greece's Defense Minister, Nikos Dendias, had earlier indicated the nation's intent to increase defense spending by approximately $12.62 billion over the next four years. This commitment aligns with a broader strategy for military modernization, encompassing various procurement initiatives. These include the upgrading of 37 F-16 Block 50 aircraft, the acquisition of at least 20 F-35 fighter jets, and the purchase of 18 Rafale fighter jets from French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation.

The recent agreement for the transfer of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters signifies a crucial step in Greece's efforts to enhance its military capabilities. The inclusion of advanced electronic suits and cutting-edge training programs underscores the nation's commitment to keeping pace with evolving defense technologies.

In a historic move on December 14, Greece and Turkey, longtime adversaries, announced their intention to rebuild their relationship. The two NATO partners outlined plans to strengthen trade volumes, address longstanding issues in the Aegean Sea, foster good neighborly relations, and explore military confidence-building measures. However, despite this diplomatic thaw, Greece's pursuit of advanced military capabilities continues, as evidenced by the approval of the Black Hawk helicopter deal.

On the other hand, Turkey faces challenges in its quest for F-16 fighter jets from the United States. The prolonged procedure for acquiring F-16 aircraft has led to frustration within the Erdogan administration. Turkey's urgent need for upgraded F-16s, both for practical and strategic reasons, is underscored by the aging state of its current fleet. The procurement of F-16s becomes crucial, especially given the unavailability of F-35 stealth fighters following US sanctions in 2019.

The intricacies of the F-16 acquisition process have prompted Turkey to explore alternatives, including talks with European states for Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Despite facing roadblocks, particularly with Germany's disapproval of the sale, Turkey remains determined to strengthen its air force. The geopolitical dynamics in the region and the delayed decision on F-16s have led to speculation that Ankara might consider turning to rivals Russia and China for its fighter jet requirements.

In summary, Greece's approval for the transfer of Black Hawk helicopters underlines its steadfast commitment to military modernization, while Turkey grapples with challenges in acquiring crucial F-16s from the United States, potentially reshaping the dynamics of military capabilities in the region.

Germany Approves Over $400 Million Worth of 155mm Artillery Shells for Ukraine: Boosting Firepower in the Eastern Conflict

 


In recent developments, Germany has greenlit orders exceeding $400 million for 155mm artillery shells destined for Ukraine. Rheinmetall, a key German defense company, confirmed the German army's order, valued at a minimum of $110 million. Simultaneously, the Defence Ministry announced a separate deal for 68,000 shells with an undisclosed French armament company, amounting to €278 million.

Ukraine, engaged in a conflict with Russia, has been expending up to 7,000 artillery rounds daily, prompting the need for a robust supply chain. The 155mm shells, following NATO standards, are in high demand, as European defense industries struggle to meet production requirements.

Rheinmetall's recent order is part of a comprehensive framework agreement signed in July, encompassing the delivery of shells, fuses, and propellant charges until 2029, with a potential gross order volume reaching €1.2 billion. The company's order backlog for weapons and ammunition has seen a significant increase, exceeding €11.3 billion by the end of September. Rheinmetall plans a substantial production boost in 2024, aiming to achieve an annual capacity of approximately 700,000 artillery rounds.

Additionally, Germany's Defense Ministry approved the acquisition of 68,000 155mm shells from a French manufacturer, with an option for an additional 350,000 rounds. The move highlights Germany's commitment to supporting Ukraine and addressing the critical need for artillery ammunition.

While details about the French manufacturer remain undisclosed, the German government is actively exploring avenues to enhance ammunition production. Discussions include the possibility of opening national framework agreements to partner countries, showcasing a collaborative approach to meet escalating demands.

As the conflict persists in Eastern Europe, these developments underscore the strategic efforts to bolster Ukraine's firepower and navigate the challenges posed by the continuous demand for 155mm artillery shells.

Saturday, December 16, 2023

Saudi Arabia Explores Rafale Fighter Jets Amid Eurofighter Typhoon Setback




Saudi Arabia is engaged in negotiations with French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation to procure the Rafale fighter jet, following challenges in acquiring the Eurofighter Typhoon from Germany. If the deal materializes, Saudi Arabia will bolster its air force with a diverse fleet, including the Rafale, Boeing F-15 SA, and Eurofighter Typhoons, posing a setback to the UK's BAE Systems.

Dassault Aviation's CEO, Eric Trappier, confirmed ongoing negotiations, marking a significant departure as Saudi Arabia traditionally sourced its war jets from the US and the UK. The move comes after Germany, part of the Eurofighter consortium, blocked the sale of Typhoon to Saudi Arabia, citing human rights concerns.

The potential Rafale deal would position Saudi Arabia among the select few air forces operating a varied range of warplanes. The shift may impact BAE Systems' business, given Saudi Arabia's historical association with the UK defense contractor.

This development underscores the geopolitical complexities influencing defense deals and highlights the Rafale's rising export profile, securing its position in the Middle East fighter jet market. As Saudi Arabia navigates its modernization efforts, the outcome of these negotiations will shape the dynamics of the region's military capabilities.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Turkey's Fighter Jet Dilemma: Could JF-17 Block 3 be the Solution

 In the ever-evolving landscape of geopolitical tensions and defense strategies, Turkey finds itself at a crossroads in its pursuit of advanced fighter jets. Facing denials of F-16s from the United States and Eurofighter Typhoons from Germany, Turkey is now rumored to be considering the China-Pakistan co-developed JF-17 Block 3 as a potential alternative. This shift coincides with recent fighter jet acquisitions by its regional rival, Greece, further intensifying the complex dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey's quest for F-16s from the United States and Eurofighter Typhoons from Germany has encountered diplomatic hurdles, contributing to the nation's exploration of alternative options. Germany's reluctance to fulfill Turkey's request and the United States' denial of F-16s have left Ankara seeking other partners to meet its defense needs.

On the other side of the Aegean, Greece has been actively fortifying its air force capabilities. Recent acquisitions of F-16V Viper fighter jets from the United States and Dassault Rafale jets from France underscore Greece's commitment to modernizing its air fleet. The addition of these advanced aircraft enhances Greece's military posture and introduces cutting-edge technology to its arsenal.

Turkey, in response to Greece's strategic advancements, is exploring alternatives beyond traditional Western alliances. The potential consideration of the JF-17 Block 3 represents a departure from the established norms, signaling a willingness to diversify defense partnerships and explore options beyond the denied acquisitions.

The JF-17 Block 3, a collaborative effort between China and Pakistan, presents a cost-effective solution for Turkey, equipped with advanced avionics and weaponry. While not directly comparable to Western counterparts, the Block 3 variant is gaining attention for its capabilities, particularly in the context of Turkey's denied acquisitions and Greece's bolstered air force.

Turkey's potential shift towards the JF-17 Block 3 adds a layer of complexity to the geopolitical dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean. As Turkey seeks alternative defense partners, the move may impact regional power balances and influence diplomatic relationships.

In addition to the JF-17 Block 3, Turkey has other noteworthy alternatives on its radar. The Russian-made Su-57 and Su-35, along with the Chinese J-10C, emerge as potential choices for Ankara. This consideration adds an intriguing dimension to the geopolitical landscape, as operating Russian or Chinese jets would mark a departure for a NATO member. It is worth noting that Turkey already operates the Russian S-400 Air Defense System, a move that led to its expulsion from the F-35 program.


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Pakistan Responds to Indian Missile Test , Plans to Conduct Her Own


New Delhi: Just days after India successfully test fired its first Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), Agni-V, Pakistan has said that it plans to conduct a long-range missile test.
The neighbour has informed India that it plans to conduct a long-range missile test in the Indian Ocean over the next five days.
Islamabad has asked New Delhi to issue a notice to all commercial airlines to steer clear of the area.
The move by Pakistan comes just five days after India test fired Agni-V to join the elite club of ICBM nations.
Agni-V, the ICBM test fired by India five days ago, is capable of carrying nuclear warheads and will be crucial for India's defence against China. The missile can carry a pay-load of 1 tonne, is 17 m long, 2 m wide and weighs 50 tonnes. After the missile is inducted into India's strategic forces by 2014-2015, India will acquire a strong deterrent capacity against China.
Agni-V can cover entire China, Eastern Europe, North Eastern and Eastern Africa and even Australia if fired from the Nicobar Islands.
Only the permanent members of the UN Security Council - China, Russia, France, the United States and the United Kingdom - have such long distance missiles. Israel, too, is believed to posses ICBMs although there is no official confirmation of the same.
The missile has a range of 5,000 kilometres, a marked improvement over India's current missiles which can hit potential enemy targets over a distance of just 3,500 kilometres.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Early French Departure is a Mistake---------Defense News


KABUL, Afghanistan — France’s decision to pull its forces out of Afghanistan early has been condemned by an Afghan lawmaker and analysts who called it a “mistake” that would benefit only the Taliban.
Tahira Mojaddidi, a member of parliament from the eastern province of Kapisa where most of the 3,600-strong French contingent is based, said Afghan forces were insufficiently prepared to take on the Taliban on their own.
“We absolutely disagree with the remarks of the French president that he would pull his forces out of Afghanistan by the end of 2013,” she said Jan. 28. “I think this is a mistake because the Afghan forces are not well equipped and well trained in the province of Kapisa.”
Mojaddidi said Afghan forces needed training and equipment.
“Presently the Taliban hold sway in the Tagab district of Kapisa and there are no Afghan forces there. If France leaves in 2013, Kapisa province will fall to the insurgents,” she said.
After meeting Afghan President Hamid Karzai in Paris on Jan. 27, Sarkozy said France had decided to transfer security in Kapisa to Afghan forces from March.
The decision came a week after the killing of four French servicemen by a renegade Afghan soldier there.
“The pursuit of the transition and this gradual transfer of combat responsibilities will allow us to plan for a return of all our combat forces by the end of 2013,” Sarkozy said, adding that 1,000 troops would return in 2012.
“A few hundred” French troops will stay on after 2013 to train Afghan troops, Sarkozy said.
He will also encourage NATO to consider transferring all its combat operations to Afghan forces in 2013, instead of the scheduled deadline of the end of 2014.
Political analyst Wahid Taqat said the decision would be a boost for the Taliban.
“The withdrawal ... will demoralize the other international forces in Afghanistan as well as Afghan forces. Instead of a rushed withdrawal, France should have strengthened their position and forces in Afghanistan,” Taqat said. “It gives a lot of morale to Taliban but demoralizes the Afghan security forces.”
Taqat condemned the move as a capitulation.
“[It makes them look] like a country that is afraid of terrorists. It is a bit shameful for the French,” he said.
“The Taliban will definitely use this as winning propaganda for their future operations in Afghanistan.”
Karzai is on a five-day European trip to sign long-term strategic partnership agreements aimed at bolstering support for Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development.
Political analyst Ahmad Saeedi accused the French of taking a hasty decision following last week’s shooting.
“He was angry and the announcement was made in a rush,” he said. “The only winner in this announcement is Mr. Sarkozy, who has his elections on the way [in April and May], and the Taliban who could use this announcement for their propaganda.”
Sarkozy warned after the attacks that he might accelerate France’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, prompting NATO’s chief to call on contributing nations to remain committed to the security transition.
The United States, Britain, Germany and Italy are the main contributors to the NATO-led force of some 130,000 troops fighting a 10-year insurgency by hard-line Islamist Taliban forces ousted from power after the 9/11 attacks.
A total of 82 French troops have been killed in Afghanistan since the start of their deployment in 2001.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Oman seeks Bid for Euro-fighter


The government of Oman has requested that BAE Systems submit a formal bid for the supply of Typhoon fighter aircraft. The move clarifies the Middle East nation’s continuing commitment to the program following delays in completing negotiations.
A spokeswoman for the U.K.-based defense company said it expected to complete negotiations by the end of the year, with deliveries of the first aircraft taking place 36 months later.
The request for proposals involves a squadron’s worth of Tranche 3 standard aircraft — about 12 airframes — a support package and training for the Omani air force.
Last month, Oman ordered a second batch of 12 F-16 Block 50’s from Lockheed Martin in a $600 million deal
The Omanis formally stated their intention to purchase the Eurofighter Typhoon in early 2010, and company executives said at the time that the deal could be ready for signing within months.
In a statement, BAE said it welcomed the release of the request for proposals, adding that the news underpins its long-standing defense and security relationship with the sultanate as a major equipment supplier.
The most recent major equipment sale was signed in 2007 to deliver three corvettes to the Omani navy in a deal valued at 400 million pounds.
The warships remain undelivered for technical reasons.
The first of the Khareef-class vessels should have been handed over in 2010 but have been delayed following the discovery of technical problems during sea trials.
The spokeswoman denied that the signing of the fighter deal between the two sides is dependent on the agreement of a get-well package for three corvettes.
The spokeswoman said the first of the corvettes is now scheduled to be handed over at the end of the second quarter.
The Omanis’ commitment to Typhoon follows recent competition losses for the fighter in Japan and Switzerland.
A decision by India on whether to select the Eurofighter aircraft or its French rival, Dassault Rafale, is imminent.
Earlier this month, BAE announced that talks with the Middle East’s first Typhoon customer, Saudi Arabia, over amendments to a deal to supply 72 fighters, were dragging on and would likely affect its 2011 earnings.
The original deal called for the first 24 aircraft to be delivered from the BAE production line in the U.K., with subsequent assembly in Saudi Arabia.
BAE and the Saudis announced a change of plan last February over where the final 42 aircraft would be built but are still haggling over the details.
Typhoon is a four-nation program involving the Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K. So far, it has exported the aircraft to Austria and Saudi Arabia

Monday, January 23, 2012

American Carrier crosses Strait Of Hormuz Unharmed


The USS Abraham Lincoln  aircraft  carrier passed  through  Strait of Hormuz on Jan. 22 and is now in the Persian Gulf, the Pentagon said, after Tehran threatened to close the strategic shipping route.
"USS Abraham Lincoln ... completed a regular and routine transit of the Strait of Hormuz ... to conduct maritime security operations as scheduled," Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby said in an email to AFP. "The transit was completed as previously scheduled and without incident." 
The carrier, which can have up to 80 planes and helicopters onboard, was escorted by the guided-missile cruiser Cape St. George and two destroyers.
Earlier, Britain's Ministry of Defence said a British Royal Navy frigate and a French vessel had joined the carrier group to sail through the waterway.
While allied ships often participate in U.S. naval exercises and sometimes are part of joint naval flotillas, the presence of British and French ships seemed to be a message to Tehran about the West's resolve to keep the route open.
"HMS Argyll and a French vessel joined a U.S. carrier group transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, to underline the unwavering international commitment to maintaining rights of passage under international law," said a spokesman from Britain's MoD.
He said Britain maintained "a constant presence in the region as part of our enduring contribution to Gulf security."
Iran's military and political leaders had warned they could close the strait — a key transit route for global oil supplies — if increased Western sanctions over Tehran's suspect nuclear program halt Iranian oil exports.
The Islamic republic's navy had also warned it would react if the U.S. tried to redeploy one of its aircraft carriers to the waterway.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has repeatedly said closing the strait would cross a "red line." Two of the 11 U.S. aircraft carriers are in the region.
Since then, Iran has tried to ease tensions, with Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi saying last week that Tehran had never tried to close the strait.
“We want peace and stability in the region," Salehi said.
European Union foreign ministers meeting Jan. 23 in Brussels are expected to agree to sanction Iran's central bank and announce an embargo on buying Iranian oil.
The U.S., France, Britain and Germany accuse Iran of seeking to build a nuclear bomb, but Tehran says its nuclear drive is peaceful.

Friday, January 20, 2012

France considers Afghan pull out after Troop loss


PARIS — President Nicolas Sarkozy warned Jan. 20 he may accelerate the French withdrawal from Afghanistan after an Afghan soldier shot dead four unarmed French troops during a sports session inside a base.
Sarkozy suspended French military training and joint combat operations and dispatched Defence Minister Gerard Longuet to probe Friday’s attack in which at least 15 French soldiers were wounded, eight seriously.
“The French army stands alongside its allies but we cannot accept that a single one of our soldiers be wounded or killed by our allies, it’s unacceptable,” Sarkozy said.
“If security conditions are not clearly established, then the question of an early return of the French army will be asked,” he said.
A security source said the shooting happened as “the French were just finishing their sports session” at the Gwam base.
“The soldiers were not protected. They could not defend themselves. He fired at the group. Then they neutralized him,” the source said.
Longuet described the attack as “murder.”
“They were not armed, they were literally murdered by an Afghan soldier. We don’t yet know if it was a Taliban who infiltrated or if it was someone who decided to act for reasons as yet unknown,” Longuet said.
Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said France would await a report from Longuet and military chief of staff Admiral Edouard Guillaud on their return from Afghanistan before taking any decision on an early pull-out.
“Their main task will be to establish the circumstances and responsibilities of this tragedy and then report to the French government what measures the Afghan authorities promise to undertake to sort out Afghan army recruitment and ensure the French contingent’s security,” Juppe said.
“Based on this report, the president and the government will decide whether the security conditions are credible.
“If this is not the case, we will draw the conclusions... including the acceleration of a complete withdrawal of our contingent set for the end of 2013,” Juppe said.
France has about 3,600 soldiers serving in the country, mainly in the provinces of Kabul and Kapisa, the scene of Friday’s shooting.
Their deployment is deeply unpopular in France, and Sarkozy is facing a tough reelection battle in less than three months.
French troops have fanned out around their base in the eastern province and are not allowing any Afghan soldiers to approach, a security source told AFP. The French force currently in Afghanistan will be reduced to 3,000 by late 2012, with 200 due to leave in March. NATO is due to hand security over to Afghan forces before withdrawing all its combat troops by the end of 2014.
Training Afghan forces and accompanying them into battle against rebels is the core of the French mission within the NATO-led coalition in Afghanistan, the force having already scaled down its own operations.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai sent his condolences to the French people over the deaths, saying relations between the two countries had “always been based on honesty, which makes Afghans happy.”
“The president is saddened at the incident and expresses his deep sympathy and condolences to the president and people of France and the victims’ families,” his office said in a statement.
NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen also expressed his condolences, but insisted the attack was isolated.
“This is a sad day for our troops in Afghanistan and the French people,” Rasmussen told reporters during a visit to NATO ally Latvia.
“I would like to express my condolences for the four French soldiers who were killed today and my sympathy to those who were wounded,” he said, warning against seeing a new trend of attacks from renegade Afghan troops.
“Such tragic incidents are terrible and grab headlines but they are isolated,” he said, noting that 130,000 NATO-led international forces are still serving alongside more than 300,000 Afghans.
The latest deaths brought to 82 the number of French soldiers killed in Afghanistan since French forces deployed there at the end of 2001.
Suicide attacks, roadside bombs and insurgent attacks had a heavy toll on French troops in 2011. A total of 26 were killed, the most in a single year during the 10-year war.
The shooting was the latest in a string of incidents of Afghan soldiers turning their weapons on members of the foreign force fighting an insurgency by hardline Taliban Islamists.
Last month, two soldiers of the French Foreign Legion serving in Afghanistan were shot dead by a man wearing an Afghan army uniform during a mission in Kapisa, site of the main French base in Afghanistan.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for that attack.
In April last year eight U.S. soldiers were killed in a shooting at a military airport in Kabul, but a Pentagon report this month said the killings were the actions of a disturbed Afghan military officer who acted alone.
While some attacks have been claimed by the Taliban, others have been put down to arguments or personal animosity between soldiers from the two forces serving together.

Nexter signs multi layer Ammo deal with France


PARIS — Nexter Munitions has signed a multiyear contract worth an initial 138 million euros ($178 million) with the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) procurement office to develop and produce large caliber ammunition, the Ministry of Defense said.
The first tranche order is worth 138 million euros, with conditional tranches to be placed, a DGA spokesman told journalists.
Under the contract, signed Dec. 30, Nexter will be responsible for development, qualification and production of 100mm shells for the Navy, and 105mm, 120mm and 155mm for the Army, with delivery in stages to 2019, the ministry said in a Jan. 19 statement.
Nexter has been anxious to seal a munitions deal as there was concern over workload for its ammunitions factory at La Chapelle, near Bourges in central France.
The contract reflected a response to the operational needs of the forces, based on recent lessons learned, and was intended to support critical industrial capacities, the DGA statement said.
“The visibility afforded to Nexter Munitions allows the company to adapt its industrial capability and to increase its competitiveness in export markets,” the DGA said.
Nexter Munitions has annual sales of 160 million euros, of which exports account for about 20 percent, the DGA said.
“This package contract covers the Armed Forces' requirements for large-caliber ammunition and gives France guarantees regarding the short and medium-term sustainability of the business of its supplier, Nexter Munitions, for both development and production of large- caliber ammunition,” the company said in a statement.
“The multi-annual nature of the supply contracts also ensures better price control in an extremely competitive global market,” Nexter said.
The orders covers development and qualification of 155/52-caliber illumination and smoke shells, supply of modular charges for Caesar artillery, supply of explosive 120mm cartridges for the Leclerc tank, and 105mm practice cartridges for AMX 10R CR armored vehicles.
The deal also restarts production of 100mm cartridges for the French Navy, Nexter said.
Nexter had shown interest in the Munitions Acquisition Supply Solution contract signed between BAE Systems and the British Ministry of Defense in 2008, which guaranteed a long-term supply at an agreed price, and allowed a reorganization of industrial facilities.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Europe need financial backing for Missile Shield


PARIS — Europe has technological capabilities it could contribute to NATO’s planned missile shield to protect European territory but a financial commitment is needed, François Auque, the chief executive of EADS’s Astrium space division, said Jan. 19.
The NATO summit in Chicago in May will be of strategic importance to Astrium as decisions are due to be made on contributions intended to extend the Active Layered Theater Ballistic Missile Defense system to a territorial coverage, he said. The system was designed to protect NATO deployed troops.
“In technological terms, Europe has a certain number of competences it can contribute,” Auque told journalists. “It could contribute to the architecture for the system. The knowledge of the missile threat allows one to organize the defense architecture.”
France could contribute by making available its Spirale launch early warning satellite, a demonstrator project, he said. Spirale has a limited life and needs a program launch, he said.
“Europe could also contribute an interceptor vehicle, which would require a certain amount of development,” he said.
“There are technological bricks,” he said. “The only real subject is the financial thing.”
Astrium is prime contractor for the French M51 submarine-launched ballistic missile, which was delivered on time and on budget, Auque said. There is no better qualification to design a defense architecture than the knowledge gained from building a ballistic missile, he said.
The M51 missile entered service in 2010 after an extremely limited test-fire program, due to budgetary constraints, he said. There were five test fires and five successes, Auque said.
“That takes risk-taking to the limit,” he said. “Really.”
Astrium’s experience in building ballistic missiles helped the company win from Kazakhstan a contract for two Earth-observation satellites, when it emerged that the Kazakh minister who agreed to meet Auque for a brief presentation had been a senior rocketry officer in the former Soviet Union, Auque said.
This year, Astrium is expecting the second phase of a feasibility study on future architecture for the ballistic missile early warning system and a formal NATO staff requirement for the architecture for a territorial ballistic missile defense.
The Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) procurement office recently launched work on maintaining a capability for a future nuclear deterrence, he said.
Astrium had 2011 sales of 5 billion euros ($6.4 billion), which is expected to increase to around 5.5 billion to 5.6 billion euros with the integration of the U.S. military telecommunications satellite company Vizada.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

EADS Chief: French Support of UAV ‘Encouraging’


HAMBURG, Germany — The French Defense Minister’s preference for a broad European scope to a planned Anglo-French medium-altitude long-altitude UAV was a positive sign for EADS, Chief Executive Louis Gallois of the European company said Jan. 17.
“You have seen Mr. Longuet was pushing for a program with other European countries, including Germany and Italy,” Gallois told journalists on the sidelines of a joint New Year’s press conference by EADS and Airbus, here.
“I think it’s encouraging for us to push the way we’re pushing,” Gallois said.
Defense Minister Gérard Longuet told the French aerospace press club Jan. 9 the Anglo-French project “should accept the construction of Europe.
“We can’t ignore countries with industrial capabilities. We’ll probably have an Anglo-French project which cannot avoid opening to other European partners,” Longuet said.
France would not develop the EADS Talarion Advanced UAV, Longuet said.
Gallois has urged the British and French governments to open up a proposed new MALE UAV to include EADS and other European partners, to avoid a repetition of the Eurofighter Typhoon versus Rafale dogfight which has divided European industry into an internecine battle for foreign sales.
“Talarion is a prototype, it’s not a final project,” Gallois said.
A top priority for EADS in its talks with the governments of its “home countries” was to preserve research and development capabilities through the launch of new program, made possible by cuts in some defense orders, Gallois said.
The Talarion UAV was a potential for such new program support, he said.
EADS is waiting for a decision from the German government for a go ahead with Talarion, a company spokesman said. EADS has some 160 engineers working on UAVs and is funding the work on company money. In the face of defense budget cuts in Europe, one of EADS’ priorities for 2012 was to increase export efforts and grow its “global footprint,” Gallois said.
The company was also in talks with home country governments, particularly Germany, on “existing and valid” military contracts, he said.
Germany has said it wants to cut the orders for Tiger attack and NH90 transport utility helicopters.
“We have to discuss with them,” Gallois said. “We have our interest to defend regarding workload in our facilities, profitability, future of the product, the balance between Germany and other countries “We include in that the possibility to be part of new programs which could be financed with part of the savings on quantities. It means we are open to discussion,” Gallois said.
“As always, we want to have that decision as quickly as possible as we don’t like uncertainty,” he said.
EADS and Finmeccanica signed a deal in December to team on UAV development, reflecting wider discontent in Italy and Germany over the Anglo-French defense accord reached on Nov. 2, 2010.
The planned Anglo-French MALE drone was one of the projects included in the bilateral treaty. BAE Systems and Dassault have formed a joint venture to bid for the joint UAV program.

Airbus: A400M Interim Service Deal Expected Soon


 
An Airbus A400M takes off at the Toulouse-Blagnac airport in Blagnac, France last October.
An Airbus A400M takes off at the Toulouse-Blagnac airport in Blagnac, France last October. / Pascal Pavani / AFP via Getty Images
HAMBURG, Germany — Airbus expects to reach an agreement on an interim service contract for the A400M airlifter in a matter of weeks, Fabrice Bregier, chief operating officer of the European aircraft maker, said Jan. 17.
Talks with France for a maintenance contract have dragged on for months. In October, French procurement chief Laurent Collet-Billon to threatened to withhold payment if a service support deal was not ready when the first transport aircraft is delivered to the air force.
“We hope to finalize in the coming weeks,” Bregier said at a joint Airbus-EADS press conference here.
Bregier said the initial deal would be an interim agreement to be extended to the full fleet for Britain and France, the first countries to take delivery of the four-engine A400M aircraft.
The talks have been complicated by difficulties between prime contractor Airbus and the companies in the Europrop International (EPI) engine consortium, French Defense Minister Gérard Longuet said Jan. 9.
“On engine maintenance, everyone is looking at everyone else and wondering what risk he can reasonably take on,” Longuet told the French aerospace press club.
“What we want is a global service agreement with someone who signs and assumes an undertaking,” Longuet said. “On the other side, companies are looking at each other and saying this is going to cost a fortune in lawyers and experts.”
Airbus Military, a subsidiary of Airbus and EADS, makes the A400M. EPI builds the plane’s TP400-D6 engine. The EPI consortium includes ITP of Spain, MTU of Germany, Rolls-Royce of Britain, and Snecma of France’s Safran group.
EADS CEO Louis Gallois said earlier the A380 superjumbo airliner and A400M programs “are now on track.”
Those programs would help boost EADS’ profitability in 2012. Higher aircraft deliveries, improving prices, cost-savings programs and ambitious profitability targets at the division level would also help, he said.
Under a revised scheduled, France is due to take delivery of the first A400M in 2013, with Britain to follow in 2014. Airbus Military hopes to ship the French aircraft by the end of this year, ahead of the contracted date.
France announced at the Paris Air Show in June a memorandum of understanding to cover A400M maintenance, with common support to be shared by Britain and France. Germany has made its own national arrangements for service.