INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
06 Nov 08. France has cleared its aerospace and defence companies to go ahead to undertake complete transfer of technology (TOT) of strategic systems for the $10bn Indian contract for acquisition of 126 multi-role combat aircraft. Key technologies that can be transfered include AESA radars, stealth composites and advanced missiles network enabled technologies. “The French government has given us all clearance for technology transfer of all key systems,” said JPHP Chabriol, senior vice president, D’assault Aviation, the manufacturers of French fighters Rafael — one of the prominent contestants for the Indian contract — as his new fighter Rafael prepares for the test in Indian conditions in mid-June next year. France’s approval comes even as the US companies may have to seek the State administration and Congressional clearances before parting with the technologies like AESA radar, which ironically has been pioneered by the US defence majors. According to the field trial schedule sent to the bidding companies, the contending fighters are to undergo resistance to humidity trials in south Indian city of Bangalore, tests for heat and dust in Thar desert in Jodhpur and cold trials in snowy wilderness of Ladakh. (Source: Google)