India, France finalize $2.1 bn Mirage upgrade deal

NEW DELHI - Imparting fresh momentum to their defence ties, India and France have finalized a $2.1 billion deal for upgrading Mirage-2000 combat jets, but it may take a few weeks for the pact to be signed.

The deal has been finalized, French President Nicolas Sarkozy said at a joint press interaction with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“France is one of India’s most important and reliable defence partners. We deeply appreciate France’s willingness to supply us advanced defence technologies in a way that contributes to the modernisation of our own defence industry,” said Manmohan Singh.

Informed sources said the Mirage deal has been wrapped up. The joint statement was, however, more cautious. “Discussions concerning the upgrading of Mirage 2000 aircraft are expected to be finalised soon,” it said.

Ahead of the visit, India had clarified that although talks would take place to conclude the agreement, it won’t be signed during Sarkozy’s visit.

The upgrade of 50 fighter jets, which has been bogged down in negotiations over the price, is expected to refurbish the aircraft with new radar systems, a new weapons suite, missiles, electronic warfare system and modern electronic warfare.

The deal was hanging fire for many years due to issues relating to the cost of refurbishment.

India and France also agreed to energise their defence ties by expanding cooperation in countering piracy and in bolstering maritime security. France and India recognise the need for intensified cooperation in combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden and other areas, said the joint statement.

The two sides are collaborating in joint programmes in defence industry, which would include joint research and development and transfer of technology.