14 février 2013 Romandie.com (AFP)

NEW DELHI - Le président français François Hollande a réitéré jeudi le soutien de Paris à la candidature de l'Inde à un siège de membre permanent au Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies, lors d'une conférence de presse conjointe avec le Premier ministre indien, Manmohan Singh.

Nous avons des positions politiques que nous défendons dans toutes les instances internationales: la paix, démocratie, la liberté, la lutte contre le réchauffement climatique, l'exception culturelle, a souligné M. Hollande.

Ces principes, je souhaite que l'Inde puisse les défendre au sein du Conseil de sécurité comme membre permanent, a-t-il poursuivi.

Parmi ces principes, a ajouté le président Hollande, figurent également la participation de l'Inde aux grandes opérations de maintien de la paix mais aussi à toutes les instances, y compris pour le nucléaire civil.

François Hollande a débuté jeudi une visite d'Etat en Inde, la première en Asie depuis son arrivée au pouvoir en mai l'an dernier.

February 14, 2013: Strategy Page

The newly elected South Korean president made it clear that she would take a hard line against North Korea, not encourage friendlier relations. This includes the new threat of a pre-emptive attack on North Korea if there was any suspicion that the north was going to use nukes. South Korea also confirmed that it had deployed a new cruise missile that can reach targets anywhere in North Korea. This was no surprise as last year it was announced that South Korea would purchase and deploy over a thousand new ballistic and cruise missiles over the next five years. These would be aimed at specific North Korean missile launchers and artillery positions. In the event of a war, the South Korean missiles would be quickly launched and every North Korean missile or artillery weapon eliminated would mean less destruction in South Korean territory. The North Korea plan had always been to start any future war with an enormous bombardment by shells, rockets, and missiles. Most would be aimed at the South Korean capital, and largest city, Seoul.

In the last year the government revealed the existence of more of these locally developed missiles. A year ago South Korea made public the fact that it had a new cruise missile (apparently the Hyunmoo 3) and ballistic missile ready for service. South Korea is usually secretive about its battlefield missiles. Four years ago South Korean media reported that a new cruise missile, with a range of 1,000 kilometers, had secretly entered production in 2008. Called Hyunmoo 3, it has since been superseded by the Hyunmoo 3C missile, which has a range of 1,500 kilometers and is being deployed along the North Korean border, aimed at ballistic missiles, nuclear weapons, and other strategic targets to the north. This is apparently the new cruise missile announced today.

Despite the U.S. refusal to help, South Korea developed a 180 kilometer range ballistic missile (Hyunmoo 1) and a 300 kilometer one (Hyunmoo 2) in the 1980s. Both are about 13 meters (40 feet) long and weigh 4-5 tons. Both of these were based on the design of the U.S. Nike-Hercules anti-aircraft missile, which South Korea used for many years.  Cruise missiles are simpler technology, and apparently the Hyunmoo 3 is made entirely with South Korean developed components. Like the Tomahawk, Hyunmoo 3 appears to be about 6 meters (19 feet) long, weighs 1.5 tons, has a half ton warhead, and is launched from hidden (in the hills facing North Korea), and probably fortified, containers. North Korea has about 600 ballistic missiles aimed at South Korea.  The longer range of the Hyunmoo 3C enables it to hit any target in North Korea and is apparently intended to knock out transportation and supply targets deep inside North Korea. With a range of 1,500 kilometers the missile could also hit targets in China and Russia.

Two years ago South Korea moved some of its U.S. built ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) guided missiles close to the North Korean border. ATACMS is a 610mm rocket that fits in the same size container that normally holds six 227mm MLRS rockets. The ATACMS version in South Korean service has a range of 165 kilometers. That makes it capable of reaching many targets in North Korea but not the capital (Pyongyang, which is 220 kilometers north of the DMZ). There is a version of ATACMS with a range of 300 kilometers but South Korea does not have any. ATACMS is fired from the American MLRS rocket launcher. South Korea only has 220 ATACMS missiles. All of them have cluster bomb warheads. Half of them are unguided and have a range of 128 kilometers. The others have smaller warheads, GPS guidance, and a range of 165 kilometers. This is apparently the version moved close to the border, in order to make the North Koreans nervous. South Korea originally bought ATACMS in 1998, to have a weapon that could go after distant North Korean artillery and large concentrations of tanks.

North Korea desperately needs operational nuclear weapons because its conventional forces have been falling apart since 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed and military and economic aid from Russia ceased. There was not enough money (even though over 30 percent of GDP goes for the military) to maintain and upgrade the million man armed forces. Over the last few years the troops have been getting less food, something unheard of in the past. There is much less fuel for training, which leaves pilots and ship crews inexperienced and much less effective than their South Korean counterparts. Equipment is largely Cold War era stuff, much of it 30-40 years old. Thus the conventional military threat to South Korea (which has greatly modernized its forces in the last two decades) is going, going and now gone. Nuclear weapons restore the North Korean threat to its neighbors. This enables North Korea to demand free food, fuel and other aid. This makes it possible for the North Korea leadership to survive, because at the moment the population is becoming more unruly and hostile to their rulers.

The third North Korean nuclear test was condemned by all (except the usual suspects, like Iran) and especially by China. While always opposed to North Korean nukes, China has never done anything about it. But this time the Chinese publically warned North Korea that if there was another test there would be serious consequences. Cutting off Chinese aid and trade would be catastrophic for the north because China is the major (and practically only) trading partner. North Korea’s illegal exports (weapons, drugs and so on) get out via China. Closing the door on North Korean aid and trade would doom the North Korean government and lead to chaos. The other option is to stage a coup and put pro-China and pro-economic reform people in charge. China has been recruiting a network of pro-China officials in North Korea for years. This is done in secret, and the North Korean leaders have been increasingly active in retiring, demoting or firing anyone who is suspected to be part of this group. Well, not anyone, as that would eliminate a third or more of the ruling class, including many people in the secret police and technical organizations with critical skills. China is expected to support new international sanctions against North Korea. In the past China has not enforced these sanctions. The new ones would be directed at more individual North Koreans, making the sanctions rather more personal.

In the north the big crackdown on illegal cell phone use near the Chinese border has failed. People found ways to defeat the imported cell phone signal detectors (by using an earpiece and walk around or cycle in a crowded areas). Those who are caught find the special secret police personnel brought in for this duty are willing to take a bribe most of the time. So information continues to get in from China and the world. News of Chinese threats over the nuclear tests are causing great unease in the north.

China sent some mobile radiation monitoring teams to the area near its North Korean border to check for any radiation from the recent North Korean underground nuclear test. China already has 25 permanent automated radiation monitoring stations along the border and they showed no increase in radiation.

February 12, 2013: North Korea, as expected, conducted its third nuclear weapons test. This one appears to be seven kilotons and a complete detonation. The last nuclear test was a five kiloton weapon in 2009 and the first one was three years before that. Western intelligence believed that the original North Korean nuclear weapon design was flawed, as the first test was only a fraction of what it should have been (less than a kiloton equivalent in high explosives), and is called in the trade, a "fizzle." The second test was a complete detonation and apparently a much modified version of the original design. Thus North Korea needed more tests to perfect their bomb design and is still years away from a useful nuclear weapon even though the second bomb appeared to be more effective. The third test was considered overdue and that may have been because more time was spent designing and building a smaller device that could fit into a missile warhead. U.S. intelligence agencies have collected air samples (as have most other neighboring countries) from the test which can tell much about the design of the bomb. Results of that analysis may take a week or more to appear.

February 7, 2013: A North Korean propaganda, showing the north using nuclear weapons against the United States, was removed from YouTube because of copyright infringement. The video shows the aftermath of a nuclear strike in what appeared to be an American city. This was a video clip taken from a recent computer game (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3) and the publisher had the video removed for that violation.

January 31, 2013: Google announced more data for its recently announced map of North Korea for Google Maps. North Korea does not release maps, as they are considered military secrets. The Google Maps data was acquired using crowdsourcing and services like Google Earth that constantly produces vast quantities of new data. The new North Korean map shows locations of roads, prison camps and military bases that North Korea had long considered secret information (a common practice in communist dictatorships).

January 30, 2013: South Korea used a locally made rocket to launch its first satellite. In December North Korea launched a satellite, which has been silent since it went up. The South Korean satellite is working perfectly.

North Korea ordered an increased state of military readiness in response to the latest UN sanctions. Movement across the country has been restricted and reservists have been called up. All this is theater to distract people from the fact that they are hungry and there isn’t much heat or electricity. The movement restrictions make it more difficult to move food and fuel to areas where it is most needed.

February 14, 2013 by Shiv Aroor - Livefist

This is an unedited statement by the MoD on the acquisition of VVIP helicopters for the IAF, currently suspended after the arrest of Finmeccanica CEO Giuseppe Orsi.

The Facts: In August 1999, the IAF which is responsible for carrying out VVIP communication task, proposed the replacement of Mi-8 VIP helicopters due to severe operational constraints, such as, inability of Mi-8 to operate at night and in adverse weather, inability to operate safely at places in elevation beyond 2000 meters etc. IAF felt the need for the replacement of Mi-8 helicopters as they were completing their total technical life.

2.           A global RFP was issued in March 2002 to which 4 vendors responded. The Technical Evaluation Committee shortlisted 3 helicopters and accordingly flight evaluations were conducted.  Since, EH-101 of M/s. AgustaWestland was not certified for an altitude of 6000 meters, it did not participate in the flight evaluation. The Russian helicopter Mi-172 could not comply with 7 mandatory Operational Requirements (ORs).  After flight evaluation, EC-225 of M/s. Eurocopter, France was found suitable for acquisition.

3.           On November 19, 2003 a meeting was taken by Principal Secretary to PM on this subject.  In the meeting, Principal Secretary observed that his main concern was that the framing of the mandatory requirements has led us effectively into a single vendor situation.  It was also noted that PM and President have rarely made visits to places involving flying at an altitude beyond 4500 meters.  In the meeting it was decided to make the mandatory requirement for operational altitude 4500 meters.  The higher flying ceiling of 6000 meters, and a cabinet height of 1.8 meters could be made desirable operational requirements.  It was observed that with these revisions, several helicopters which otherwise met all requirements but had been rejected due to the altitude restriction, would now come into the reckoning.

4.           The meeting was followed by a letter dated 22nd December, 2003 from the Principal Secretary to PM to the Air Chief, stating that it was unfortunate that neither PMO nor SPG was consulted while framing these mandatory requirements.  He suggested that CAS and Defence Secretary may jointly review the matter to draw up realistic mandatory requirements satisfying operational, security and convenience requirements of VVIPs and also set in motion a fast track process for selection and acquisition of the replacement helicopters.

5.           In pursuance of the above directive, the ORs were deliberated at length between IAF, NSA, SPG/PMO and MoD between March, 2005 to September, 2006 and the above indicated changes were incorporated.

6.           The required numbers of helicopters for the entourage of VVIP was further deliberated between Air HQ, MoD and SPG/PMO. The quantity of helicopters proposed for procurement was revised from 8 to 12 helicopters by adding 4 helicopters in non-VIP configuration for security reasons.

7.           The AON for the procurement of 12 helicopters was accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council under ‘Buy’ category with 30 percent offsets on 3rd January, 2006.  RFP was issued to 6 vendors on 27th September, 2006.

8.           Three vendors, namely M/s Sikorsky, USA (S-92 helicopter), M/s AgustaWestland, UK (EH-101 helicopter) and M/s. Rosoboronexport, Russia (Mi-172 helicopter) responded to the RFP.

9.           M/s. Rosoboronexport did not submit earnest money deposit and the Integrity Pact, along with their Technical and Commercial proposals. It had been made clear to M/s Rosoboronexport in February 2007 that this was a global tender and hence every contractual clause would be the same for all vendors.  As no Integrity Pact and Earnest Money Deposit were received from M/s Rosoboronexport, their Techno-Commercial offer was not accepted.

10.       The Technical Evaluation Committee evaluated the technical proposals of M/s Sikorsky and M/s AgustaWestland and recommended field evaluation trials of their helicopters.

11.       The Field Evaluation Trial of M/s AgustaWestland was carried out in UK and trials of M/s Sikorsky were carried out in USA from 16 January 2008 to February 2008.  The Field Evaluation Trial team submitted its report in April 2008 and recommended AW-101 helicopter of M/s AgustaWestland for induction into Service.  SPG was also part of the Field Evaluation Trial team.

12.       The Staff Evaluation Report of Air HQ concluded that the S-92 helicopter was non-compliant with respect to four SQRs for the VVIP helicopter (Missile Approach Warning System, Service Ceiling of 4.5 km, Drift Down Altitude and Hover Out of Ground Effect).  The Staff Evaluation Report assessed the VVIP helicopter AW-101 to be fully compliant with all SQRs.

13.       Technical Oversight Committee constituted on 6 August 2008 found that the field evaluation trials, compliance to SQRs and selection of vendors were done according to the prescribed procedures.

14.       Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) was constituted and it carried out its discussions with the vendor between 19 September 2008 and 21 January, 2009.  While the CNC was progressing its discussions, Air HQ, recommended inclusion of Traffic Collusion Avoidance System (TCAS-II) and Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) for all 12 helicopters and SPG/PMO recommended inclusion of Medevac System for 8 VVIP helicopters.  These additional equipment were considered to be essential for safe and effective operation of the helicopter in VVIP transportation role.  SPG also agreed to these requirements.  The CNC, thereafter, recommended conclusion of the contract at a negotiated price of EURO 556.262 million. 

15.       On completion of CNC the proposal was submitted for approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).  The CCS considered the proposal in its meeting held on 18 January 2010 and approved the proposal.

16.       In pursuance of the decision of the CCS the Ministry of Defence concluded a contract for the supply of 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopter with M/s AgustaWestland, UK on 08 February, 2010.

17.       The procurement case was, thus, progressed in accordance with the established procurement procedure in a transparent manner with all stages of procurement being followed meticulously.   Security aspects as required by SPG/PMO and IAF were fully taken into consideration.  The role of PMO which began in 2003 was to ensure that security, communication and other requirements of VVIP security were taken care of and the helicopter for VVIP use is selected on the basis of broad based QRs.

18.       Contract signed with M/s. AgustaWestland includes specific contractual provisions against bribery and the use of undue influence.  Article 22 of the contract deals with penalty for use of undue influence.  This clause entitles the ‘Buyer’ to cancel the contract with the ‘Seller’ and recover from him the amount of any loss arising from such cancellation.  Article 23 of the contract dealing with agents and agency commission requires the ‘Seller’ to confirm and declare that he has not engaged any individual or firm, whether Indian or foreign, whosoever, to intercede, facilitate or in any way to recommend to the Government of India or any of its functionaries, whether officially or unofficially, to award of the contract to the ‘Seller’ nor has any amount been paid, promised or intended to be paid to any such individual or firm in respect of any such intercession, facilitation or recommendation.  This clause further entitles the ‘Buyer’ to consider cancellation of the contract without any entitlement or compensation to the ‘Seller’ who shall be liable to refund all payments made by the ‘Buyer’ in terms of the contract along with interest.

19.       In addition to the above contractual provisions, M/s. Agusta Westland has signed an Integrity Pact with the Government.  The validity of this Integrity Pact is from the date of its signing and extends up to five years or the complete execution of the contract whichever is later.  Under the Integrity Pact, the bidder commits himself to take all measures necessary to prevent corrupt practices, unfair means and illegal activities during any stage of the bid or during any pre-contract or post-contract stage.  Any breach of the provisions of the Integrity Pact entitles the ‘Buyer’ to take actions against the ‘Seller’ which includes forfeiture of the earnest money, performance bond, cancellation of the contract without giving any compensation, to recover all the sums already paid with interest, to cancel any other contracts with the bidder and to debar the bidder from entering into any bid from the Government for a minimum period of five years which may be extended, etc.

20.       As regards, the allegations of unethical dealings in helicopter procurement case including involvement of middleman and payment of bribes etc., the first report in the media appeared in February 2012.

21.       Immediately (the next day after the news item appeared in the papers) DG(Acq) in MoD sought a factual report in the matter from our Embassy in Rome.

22.       MoD also noted the report in the ‘Hindu’ of 28.2.2012 that, quoting Finmeccanica, states that its subsidiary AgustaWestland is not involved in “any irregularity in the deal”.

23.       Subsequently, MoD received more than one communication from M/s AgustaWestland confirming that the statements in the press are “completely    unfounded and have been issued with malicious intent” and that “no commissions whatsoever were paid” in the case.

24.       In April 2012, MoD wrote again to our Embassy in Rome seeking an update.

25.       A detailed report on the status of the case was received from our Embassy in Rome in May 2012.  The report made it clear that there are inherent difficulties in obtaining formal details of the case given the independence of the judiciary from the executive in Italy.

26.       MoD in July 2012 wrote to our embassy in Rome stating that it could approach the concerned judicial authorities directly.  A formal request was indeed made by the embassy to the Naples prosecutors office on July 16, 2012.

27.       Since factual information was difficult to arrive at, Defence Secretary wrote to Secretary (West), MEA, in October 2012 reiterating the importance of the need to get information from the Italian authorities so that MoD could take further necessary action in this regard.

28.       MEA’s response again was that the matter had been taken up with the Italian side and the position conveyed for the need for ‘reliable information’, for “news reports alone could not be the basis for the Ministry of Defence to make any preliminary determination”.

29.       In October 2012 Defence Secretary also wrote to Secretary (West) to take up the matter with the Government of U.K.  in view of the alleged involvement of a British citizen and the fact that the contract was signed with M/s AgustaWestland, U.K.

30.       In November 2012, Secretary (West), MEA, replied to Defence Secretary stating that ‘the U.K. authorities were waiting for the results of the Italian investigation in order to ascertain whether there are further actions to take’.

31.       Earlier, in connection with the letter received from one

Mr. Edmund Allen of Ganton Limited, USA, MoD had written on 19.4.12 to CBI and Enforcement Directorate for necessary action, as Abhishek Verma and others were also being named in various media reports in connection with several defence deals.  Later, Enforcement Directorate informed MoD in July 2012 that they were enquiring into the allegations.

32.       In November 2012, a letter was received in MoD from the Director, Income Tax (Investigations) regarding allegations against Indians possibly involved in the deal as middlemen and seeking information about them.  The current status of the case was conveyed to the income tax authorities in January 2013; in return, MoD asked Income Tax to share with it any ‘credible information’.

33.       Throughout the process of this case, MoD has been prompt to take action on newspaper reports, and to seek factual information from the concerned authorities.  Since foreign governments are involved, MoD has consistently pursued the matter though MEA.

34.       As soon as information was available of one concrete step having been taken by the concerned foreign investigative authorities, namely, the arrest of Mr. Giuseppe Orsi, CEO, Finmeccanica on Feb 12, 2013. MoD handed over the case to CBI for investigation and put on hold all further payments to Agusta Westland.  Besides this, the Indian Embassy has been requested to provide the factual position and any other relevant information.  The CEO of M/s AgustaWestland has also been asked to categorically state the clear position in view of the current developments indicating specifically if any financial transaction has taken place with any Indian individual / entity which would be violative of the Integrity Pact or any other terms and conditions of the contract.

35.       As already mentioned above, both the contract and integrity pact signed with M/s AgustaWestland, U.K., contain specific provisions by which strict action including cancellation of contract, recovery of payment, blacklisting and penal action can be taken against the vendors.  Government is determined to take all possible legal and administrative action against the guilty parties and accordingly has ordered a thorough probe by CBI.

February 08, 2013 by Shiv Aroor - Livefist

Scoped out the 2nd prototype of the Light Combat Helicopter today on the flightline at Aero India. The third prototype of the LCH joins flight test very shortly, and promises to be the final shape and configuration of the helicopter. The LCH programme is speeding along well. More details about current tests soon.

More PICS

14 Février 2013 Frédéric Pons – V.A.

Dassault. La première vente à l’étranger du “meilleur chasseur du monde” serait pour cette année. La visite à New Delhi de François Hollande devait donner un cadre politique à l’accord industriel. Rencontre avec Éric Trappier, le nouveau président de Dassault Aviation.

L’homme le plus heureux de l’industrie française en 2013 pourrait être Éric Trappier, 52 ans, président de Dassault Aviation depuis le 9 janvier. La vente du Rafale à l’Inde (126 appareils, pour environ 15 milliards de dollars) est attendue cette année, comme semblent l’annoncer tous les indicateurs officiels et officieux. Cet accord devrait donner une belle charge de travail aux français Dassault, Thales et Safran. Les 18 premiers appareils de ce marché seront assemblés dans l’usine de Mérignac.

La visite de François Hollande à New Delhi et Bombay, ces 14 et 15 février, cinq jours après le salon Aero India de Bangalore, devait donner un cadre politique à l’accord industriel et nouer un partenariat stratégique de long terme entre la France et ce géant asiatique. « Notre démarche technique et commerciale, et la visite politique du président démontrent une compréhension globale », souligne Éric Trappier. Charles Edelstenne, qui lui a transmis les commandes en janvier, et Serge Dassault étaient eux aussi à Bangalore, avec trois Rafale de l’armée de l’air.

La conclusion de ce contrat devait “booster” le Rafale auprès des autres grands prospects de Dassault : les Émirats arabes unis — « La balle est dans leur camp » —, le Brésil — « Un appel d’offres qui perdure » —, la Suisse — « On verra… » — ou encore la Malaisie, le Qatar, le Canada. Éric Trappier est confiant : « Le facteur indien va donner des idées aux autres. »

Ce succès — premier contrat à l’exportation pour le Rafale — serait une juste récompense pour ce “Dassault boy” depuis toujours. Entré en 1984 à 24 ans dans cette maison qui a toujours su susciter les plus grandes fidélités, cet ingénieur télécoms a franchi toutes les étapes d’une carrière vouée à la vente des “plus beaux avions du monde”, les Mirage et les Rafale.

« Notre priorité immédiate est de vendre des Falcon et des Rafale », répète Éric Trappier.

Dans son vaste bureau de Saint-Cloud, quai Marcel-Dassault, ce passionné d’histoire et de géopolitique a fait installer une grande mappemonde, son marché : « Vendre, vendre… » Autre souci : assurer le maintien des compétences et la capacité de coopération. C’est possible avec les drones, dont l’armée française a tant besoin. Le nEUROn, démonstrateur de drone de combat qui a fait son premier vol le 1er décembre dernier, est développé par la France et cinq autres pays européens : « Il démontre qu’il n’est point nécessaire de fusionner avec d’autres sociétés pour coopérer intelligemment. »

Éric Trappier connaît bien le marché indien, sur lequel il travaille depuis 1993. Certains des responsables avec qui il avait traité occupent de hautes fonctions : « La satisfaction des clients historiques, ça compte. Cela aide… » En 2007, lors du lancement de la compétition pour le Rafale, il était directeur général international. En Inde ou dans les Émirats arabes, dont il eut la responsabilité en 1995, « le jour de la naissance de [s]on troisième enfant », il a été à bonne école, sous l’autorité de Charles Edelstenne : « On n’a pas le choix. La patience est une vertu. Elle paie. » Il le répète aux journalistes et aux politiques avec le même sourire doux, les yeux noisette à peine plus sombres quand il hausse le ton et se met en boule à l’image du hérisson, son animal fétiche.

Dassault Aviation patiente depuis janvier 2012, lorsque l’Inde annonça sa préférence pour le Rafale, au détriment du Typhoon du consortium Eurofighter (BAE Systems, EADS, Finmeccanica). L’engagement du Rafale en opérations a donné un surcroît de crédibilité à cet appareil polyvalent, sans équivalent. « Cette entrée en premier des avions pour renseigner et frapper est la logique de tous les conflits, même asymétriques, souligne Éric Trappier. La rapidité d’action et la capacité de frappe, en toute autonomie, sont des atouts déterminants. »

De passage récemment à Paris, le ministre indien des Affaires étrangères, Salman Khurshid, a été clair : « Les bons vins français mettent du temps à parvenir à maturité ; il en est de même pour les bons contrats. Attendez un petit peu que le bouchon saute et vous aurez un bon vin à goûter. » Son collègue de la Défense a été rassurant : « Le Rafale ne sera pas touché par les réductions budgétaires en vue. »

Chez Dassault, on reste serein : « Le besoin fait la décision. » C’est notamment vrai pour l’Inde, qui observe avec attention la montée en puissance de la Chine et du Pakistan. Son armée de l’air doit aussi recompléter son parc, dégradé par la perte accidentelle de 33 avions de combat entre 2008 et mars 2012. Mais l’attente est longue. En novembre dernier, l’ambassadeur indien à Paris parlait de « trois à quatre mois ».

« Pas de cocoricos, il reste encore beaucoup à faire », prévient Éric Trappier, disant espérer une décision pour la fin de ce premier semestre, avant le début de la campagne électorale pour les législatives indiennes de mai 2014 : « Nous avons fait la moitié du chemin pour les accords industriels. Il faut réussir le marché indien car, avec des budgets militaires forcément réduits, la pression sur le programme Rafale en France sera forte. »

Ce contrat engagera aussi Dassault sur quinze ou vingt ans : « Cela dimensionne l’avenir du Rafale. » Les négociateurs indiens auraient évoqué des tranches supplémentaires, jusqu’à porter la commande initiale à 189 Rafale. Dassault Aviation devra continuer à produire et à moderniser son avion pendant au moins deux décennies, avec Thales dont il est actionnaire : « Nous avons la volonté de rester un partenaire actif, avec l’État, dans une relation stratégique. Pour l’avenir, on va se donner du temps. »

Éric Trappier connaît bien les équipes à l’oeuvre. Avec Loïc Segalen, le directeur général délégué, même âge que lui, entré chez Dassault à 22 ans, il forme un tandem opérationnel à la fois légitime et rassurant pour les salariés : « Nous travaillons dans une confiance réciproque totale. » L’actionnariat stable et la confiance de Charles Edelstenne, aujourd’hui auprès de Serge Dassault, facilitent les choses. Trappier et Edelstenne se voient une à deux fois par semaine.

Ils seront très attentifs au prochain livre blanc sur la défense : « L’industrie de défense est créatrice d’emplois et de technologies. Il faudra que les prochains efforts budgétaires soient à la hauteur de ces enjeux. »

RNZAF NH-90 medium helicopter (photo : NZDF)
 

13.02.2013 Defense Studies

The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) new medium utility helicopter, the NH90, has completed the first phase of its operational testing and evaluation.

"The recent approval of the Interim Type Certificate and initial release of operational capability means that we can now undertake some operational tasking. It’s a significant milestone for the RNZAF," said Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell, Chief of Air Force.

"The NH90 is now cleared to undertake New Zealand-based passenger and cargo tasks that will enable non-tactical support to Government agencies and the other Services."

The NH90 incorporates new technologies and capabilities that represent a substantial improvement over the long serving Iroquois helicopters.

(NZDF)

February 13, 2013 by Shiv Aroor – Livefist

Bad news for Eurocopter and Kamov. The Indian Army / Air Force joint reconnaissance & surveillance helicopter (RSH) acquisition programme -- for 197 helicopters all in flyaway condition -- has been indefinitely deferred. At a meeting of the country's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) at the Defence Ministry today, it was decided, like it happens so often in India, that no decision would be taken just yet. The official reason recorded at the meeting was the absence of India's Army Chief, General Bikram Singh, currently in Japan on an official visit. The truth, of course, is somewhat different, and has been known for a while now.

Since an all-out cancellation would be too abrupt at this stage, my sources inform me that the deal is likely to languish without decision indefinitely. As I reported earlier, Eurocopter has refused to extend the validity of its commercial bid beyond March 31, 2013, leaving therefore very little time for "clear visibility" from the MoD. Plainly, it doesn't look good.

And with a federal investigation into India's acquisition of AgustaWestland AW101 executive transport helicopters announced yesterday, my sources tell me the collateral damage from the heat has only allowed the government to justify a non-decision on the light copter procurement. At any rate, it seems unlikely now that the government will make any major moves. Parliament reconvenes a week from now, and it promises to be (when is it not) full of righteous turbulence. I'll be looking out for politicians who see the irony, of course, in a deal for copters for politicians going bad, and ending up shafting a deal for copters for army soldiers at India's most hostile battlefields.

The Eurocopter AS 550 C3 Fennec and Kamov Ka-226T Sergei compete for a deal that could top $600-million, but appears now to be headed, once again, into oblivion. More here.

13 February 2013 Pacific Sentinel

Feb. 13, 2013 – Defense news (AFP)

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama pledged Wednesday a “steadfast” commitment to defend Japan, including preventing nuclear attacks on its ally in the wake of North Korea’s third nuclear test, the White House said.

In a telephone call, Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed steps to respond to the “highly provocative violation of North Korea’s international obligations, a White House statement said.

Pyongyang triggered international outrage on Tuesday by carrying out its latest nuclear detonation in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

U.S. and South Korean monitors said the underground nuclear test was much more powerful than North Korea’s previous tests in 2006 and 2009.

Obama and Abe agreed to cooperate on tougher U.N. sanctions against North Korea.

The pair “pledged to work closely together to seek significant action at the United Nations Security Council and to cooperate on measures aimed at impeding North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs,” the White House said.

A Japanese foreign ministry official said separately the two leaders “agreed to work together for the prompt adoption of a new U.N. resolution on enhancing sanctions” on North Korea.

Obama also “reaffirmed that the United States remains steadfast in its defense commitments to Japan, including the extended deterrence offered by the U.S. nuclear umbrella,” according to the White House.

Abe is due in Washington for talks with Obama later this month.

He also held a telephone summit with South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak on Wednesday, agreeing to push for tougher sanctions on the North.

The U.N. Security Council, including Pyongyang’s nominal ally China, united on Tuesday to condemn the test and accuse North Korea of a “grave violation” of U.N. resolutions.

Obama, in his State of the Union address Tuesday, vowed to take “firm action” against North Korea.

source rjkoehler.com

MOSCOU, 13 février - RIA Novosti

La Corée du Sud intensifiera le développement de missiles balistiques à longue portée capables de détruire les cibles situées sur le territoire de son voisin du Nord, rapporte mercredi les médias occidentaux citant le porte-parole du ministère sud-coréen de la Défense Kim Min-seok.

"Nous accélérerons le développement de missiles balistiques dotés d'une portée de 800 kilomètres", a fait savoir M.Kim.

Selon lui, Séoul envisage également d'intensifier le déploiement de son système de défense antimissile en vue de faire face à la menace nord-coréenne.

La Corée du Nord a procédé mardi à son troisième test nucléaire, bravant les mises en garde de l'Onu, des Etats-Unis et de la Chine. Le régime de Pyongyang a affirmé avoir "réussi de façon parfaite" un essai nucléaire souterrain en faisant exploser une bombe "miniaturisée". La puissance de l'explosion dégagée par cet essai s'est élevée à cinq kilotonnes.

En octobre 2012, Séoul et Washington ont conclu un accord établissant les nouvelles normes pour la conception de missiles balistiques en Corée du Sud, en vertu duquel leur portée peut aller jusqu'à 800 kilomètres. Le ministère russe des Affaires étrangères a alors averti que le renforcement du potentiel balistique de Séoul était susceptible d'aggraver la situation politico-militaire dans la péninsule coréenne et d'entraîner une nouvelle course aux armements.

13.02.2013 Le Monde.fr avec AFP

Le secrétaire américain à la défense, Leon Panetta, s'est entretenu avec son homologue sud-coréen Kim Kwan-Jin au sujet d'"actions coordonnées immédiates" après l'essai nucléaire nord-coréen, "hautement provocateur", a annoncé mercredi 13 février le porte-parole du Pentagone, George Little.

Lors de leur entretien téléphonique, Leon Panetta a "réitéré l'engagement américain", y compris pour ce qui concerne le parapluie nucléaire américain, de "défendre la Corée du Sud contre une agression", affirme M. Little dans un communiqué, qui ne précise pas quelles sont les "actions coordonnées" envisagées.

"SANCTIONS ADDITIONNELLES" CONTRE PYONGYANG

Pour les Etats-Unis, qui ont plus de 28 000 militaires en Corée du Sud, l'alliance entre les deux pays joue un "rôle vital pour assurer la paix et la stabilité dans la péninsule coréenne". Le ministre américain a également évoqué la nécessité d'obtenir l'approbation de "sanctions additionnelles" contre Pyongyang devant le Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU, présidé ce mois-ci par la Corée du Sud.

Lors de son discours sur l'état de l'Union mardi soir, le président Barack Obama a promis une "action ferme" face aux "provocations" de la Corée du Nord, qui avait mené quelques heures plus tôt son troisième essai nucléaire.

Cet essai était d'une puissance bien supérieure aux deux précédents de 2006 et 2009, et a provoqué un concert de condamnations et une vigoureuse réaction des Nations unies.

Réuni en urgence, le Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU – dont la présidence tournante est assurée par la Corée du Sud en février – a "fermement condamné" ce nouvel essai nucléaire et a annoncé qu'il allait s'efforcer de prendre les "mesures appropriées" par le biais d'une nouvelle résolution.

13 février 2013 19h08 Romandie.com (AFP)

WASHINGTON - Le secrétaire d'Etat américain John Kerry a exhorté mercredi la communauté internationale à répondre avec force au troisième essai nucléaire nord-coréen, dans le but également d'envoyer un avertissement à l'Iran et son programme nucléaire controversé.

Il s'agit de prolifération et il s'agit de l'Iran parce qu'ils sont liés (...) Il est important que le monde soit crédible sur ses efforts de non-prolifération, a déclaré M. Kerry interrogé par la presse sur l'essai nucléaire qu'a mené Pyongyang mardi.