The Dassault Rafale, in this photo taken yesterday (by Pervez 183A) ahead of the Dubai Air Show 2011, displays none of the turbulence that has defined the run-up to the show. For the Rafale certainly. Undoubtedly the biggest military news ahead of Day 1 of the show was host nation UAE sending feelers to EADS Cassidian for the Eurofighter Typhoon, a gesture that has stung Dassault something nasty — the French government has, for months, made it plain that a $10-billion deal for 60 Rafales was expected at any time. It is not clear just yet why the UAE has decided to look at other options. Could it be another Typhoon-Rafale war? Not if the Americans succeed in wedging the F-15 in. Interesting times.
The excellent Bill Sweetman at AviationWeek has this comment to make, in response to a report on the development: “Ploy, or a serious move? The UAE will have to look like they are serious if they want to see a counter-offer that will put real pressure on the French. It seems to me that there’s a lot here that rides on India. Whoever wins India (and I will say again that I am not sure if I am more sorry for the winner or the loser, because the contract will be a bear to execute) has a fast track to AESA, multi-role, and globalised production and support. That has to be worth money to customers like UAE, who will otherwise be leading the process.”
©Photo / Pervez 183A
Remember last year, when UAE asked Boeing to make an offer for Super Hornets. It seems Emiratis are trying to lower the price …
Just hope india choose rafale. Although both are 4+ fighters ,Rafale looks more stealthy.
MMRCA bis, everybody want to do like India. IAF should ask royalties.
This could means there are very very high political tension between France and the UAE…. This is coming in addition to a major set back on the sales of nuclear powerplants to the UAE.
You cannot behave this way in public, between so called "strategic partnaires" … May be it is time for France to rethink its strategic ties in this region.
Too bad, this is at least 20 years lost.
Had nuff of this MRCA bullshit for months now … how 'out some updates on the Jaguar re-engining project – for a change ?
BAE fire 3000 people, eurofighter don t have any choice to down its price at cost level production, Dassault don t want down its price.
Dear Shiv
Since the last few years, many of the middle east countries, esp UAE have been buying the same hardware which India has bought.
At times they have ended up buying such hardware which doesn't seem to fit in their defense needs or abilities and looks rather out of place.
Add that to their history of supporting pakistan during emergencies with India and their forces being run more or less by ex pakistani servicemen and you get a very confusing picture.
Would love to see a report on this from you some day.
It all depends on whether UAE has included the trials at Leh or not.
Middle east countires like UAE have recruited several PAK pilots to fly thier birds… so if these countries purchase similar hardware like our IAF then they would get some idea about the capabilites of our IAF … it would pass this knowledge on to PAK forces to prepare well in advance what weakness the IAF birds posssess to take advantage in battle.
The best thing India could do is to approch and talk with UAE and put France in the ropes.
The three nations will finance a stronger and better Rafale version and Índia take the Mirage 2000-9 UAE fleet for parts and use…
All or nothing for France…
game over…
The best thing India could do now is approch UEA and made a deal if they both agree to by Rafale.
UEA pass to India their fleet of Mirage 2000-9 and they both put France in the ropes to fund toghether the developpment of a new and stronger Rafale version.
All or nothing in OUR terms or we go joint Typhonn…
Game over Dassault…