France Urges India to Block Thales-Made Su-30 Avionics Export to Russia via Kazakhstan, Citing Sanctions Breach

France has formally requested India to tighten its export controls on avionics components used in Su-30 fighter jets, amid fears that these crucial systems could be indirectly supplied to Russia, bypassing international sanctions.

The concern stems from reports that a Kazakhstan-based company is facilitating the repair and maintenance of Russian Su-30SM fighter jets using French-made technology, potentially sourced from India.

The Su-30SM, a variant of the Su-30MKI operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), relies heavily on avionics systems produced by French company Thales. These systems include multifunction displays, navigation systems, and heads-up displays (HUDs), all vital for the aircraft's operational effectiveness.

India, operating the largest fleet of Su-30MKI jets globally, has developed significant expertise in maintaining and supplying spares for these aircraft, including the French-made avionics. This expertise has positioned Indian firms as key suppliers in the global Su-30 supply chain.

However, France is concerned that this access to critical components could be exploited to indirectly supply Russia, which is currently under international sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine.

A recent investigation by InformNapalm, an international intelligence community, revealed that the Kazakh company ARC Group is servicing Russian Su-30SMs using French technology, despite sanctions. This has raised red flags in Paris, prompting the request to India to monitor and restrict the flow of these sensitive components.

While India has not yet officially responded to the French request, the issue highlights the complexities of global defence trade and the challenges of enforcing sanctions in a interconnected world.

India's position as a major operator and supplier of Su-30 components places it in a critical position to influence the flow of these sensitive technologies.

The French request is likely to lead to increased scrutiny of Indian defence firms involved in the Su-30 supply chain. It remains to be seen how India will balance its strategic partnerships with both Russia and the West while navigating the complexities of international sanctions and export controls.

 

[Prit]

Considering how important France is wrt fighter jet engine for India, I hope India doesn't enter in a fight with them over Russia.

 

[sanket]

France, should worry how Mirage-2000 components may fall in the hand of bharat , for that Bharat need to purchased old Mirage-2000 for components & spareparts , Good news that Indian companies have developed capabilities to maintain repair supplying spares for Su-30 MKI Inccluding Avionics , you failed to upgrade Mirage-2000 with contemporary tech & now telling to control.

 

[मित्र]

Our all fighters should be 100% indigenised, whatever the cost. Else India will face restriction for itself in case of a war.

 

[NSR]

Stop interfering with SU-30 series at all as India will do whatever it can to keep them in shape by importing from Russia and/or exporting to Russia.
India is the sole decision maker in handling its SU-30MKIs by doing whatever it can with Russia.

 

[Anant]

Stop interfering with SU-30 series at all as India will do whatever it can to keep them in shape by importing from Russia and/or exporting to Russia.
India is the sole decision maker in handling its SU-30MKIs by doing whatever it can with Russia.

Not exactly. While India has the full right to decide what we do with our Su-30MKIs, when it comes to something like exports, there are export controls and the like in place. At the end of the day, a system built by Thales and used by us is still Thales' IPR, and therefore subject to French export controls before Indian export controls. I don't like it either, but that fact gives France the right to demand a ban on exports to Russia.

 

[NSR]

Not exactly. While India has the full right to decide what we do with our Su-30MKIs, when it comes to something like exports, there are export controls and the like in place. At the end of the day, a system built by Thales and used by us is still Thales' IPR, and therefore subject to French export controls before Indian export controls. I don't like it either, but that fact gives France the right to demand a ban on exports to Russia.

Most of the spares were indigenized long ago and India can install them in Malaysia, Armenia, etc countries fighters.

Actually, Russians are putting 5th generation technologies into SU-30SMs and they do not need Indian parts anyway and for France to demand such is not acceptable.
They have their own great helmet mounted systems like used in Mig-31s.

Disgusting France and Dassault fleeced India for up to $3 billions for 3rd generation technology upgrade and armaments.

I plainly do not like how they treat India at all.
They do bend backwards and gave china two Final Assembly Plants for Airbus manufacturing even though we ordered more aircraft. India got none.

 

[Mahantesh]

A system built by Thales France origin and used by India since longer period, how come the avionics stuffs is still considered as Thales' IPR, we learnt that after passage of time IPR may loose its validity it seems and therefore France can't make such claims like s export controls before Indian export controls. In this era of interconnected world its very difficult to retain sale agreements with their hidden terms & conditions. At the same time many west countries shows their keen intrests and make huge profits also do the lobbies before taking a final sales orders deal from India. Once after purchase completed and even after so many years OEM countries like France or other exporters will make noise about export restrictions as per their nose!! why this ambiguity?

 

[dave]

India frankly can't be trusted yet western defence companies are still using them 'because it is cheap' but western defence companies are also riddled with Chinese people, some of whom are most certainly spies