Mega contract: How France was played by KSA

[Ceylal]

Mégacontrat how France was "PLAYED" by Saudi Arabia
DEFENSE

The optimism of the Elysée was based on two Saudi documents, a royal order issued in June and a contract signed by the French and Saudi side.
Michel Cabirol | 01/09/2014, 7:03 - 747 words
Paris relied heavily on a signature, or a promise to purchase, air defense missiles short range offered by Thales. An estimated total of 4 billion contract. Ryad but remained silent on Mark 3.

We know a bit more about what happened in Saudi Arabia on Mark 3, a renewal program air defense systems, during the visit of François Hollande there over a week now. More specifically, it happened nothing. According to reliable sources, the French delegation is around on this issue by the Saudis despite the will of the Elysée to advance on Mark 3, which was top of the pile of priority issues Hollande .. . and good diplomatic relations between France and Saudi Arabia.

When François Hollande has raised the subject with King Abdullah, the latter advised the French to go discuss with the Minister of Defence, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who himself returned to the Deputy Minister of Defence , Prince Salman bin Sultan. Finally, it would have told the French delegation that he had not instructed on this issue. A very bad surprise.Clearly a slap for France and its president as well as Thales. Within the electronics group, the disappointment was great at the end of the visit, which had generated a lot of hope.Starting with Saudi Arabia, François Hollande, however asked Ambassador Bertrand Besancenot, maintain pressure on Riyadh on this issue.

A royal order for Mark 3
Before flying to Saudi Arabia, the Elysee yet had every intention to return to Paris with best contract Mark 3 pocket estimated at 4 billion euros in two phases (2.5 and 1 5 billion euros), if not a king's promise to sign shortly. The Elysee was so hopeful. This optimism is based on two Saudi documents, a royal order issued in June and a contract signed by the French and Saudi side. Only lack a signature for the contract to be implemented, the Crown Prince and Minister of Defense.

But the preparation of the visit of François Hollande between the two countries had generated fears on this issue in early December while flashing still seemed green. Fears have been confirmed a posteriori. Only good (?) News, the Saudis have not announced the French that they no longer wanted the contract. But some observers of this issue and believe that the Saudi kingdom ever not really clearly say they do not want a contract."Understand signs" , said an industrial connoisseur of Saudi Arabia.

Failure or not?
For now, at Thales, we remain cautious about how to interpret the decision not Riyadh. But the work decryption is necessary to restart or not an offer of Thales Saudi Arabia. Several reasons are now advanced to explain the failure of the visit of François Hollande on this issue. The Americans have been a nuisance to the signing of the contract? For more than six months, Lockheed Martin is forcing the kingdom to provide the Patriot PAC-3 missiles."It is easier to derail a contract to get it," says one to the Tribune.

Or is that differences in the royal family? "Saudi Arabia is not France where everyone is forced to walk in tight behind the Elysée once the decision is taken" says a good observer of Saudi Arabia, implying that the king's word can be challenged within the royal family. Or finally do the audit on all negotiations and contracts signed launched this fall by Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, head of the intelligence services is not completed? Which would have postponed the decision of Saudi Arabia. Questions yet unanswered.

The Crotale NG missile in question?
Industrial sources competing Thales respondents felt about the French they offer no longer corresponds to the wishes of the Saudis. Clearly, they provide Ryad no longer Rattlesnake NG wants a missile air defense short range. Still others believe that Thales and ODAS, which represents the commercial interests of the French armament groups in the kingdom, should review their industrial supply.

 

[Yzd Khalifa]

The hell is that columnist is talking about?

During Hollande's visit, we signed two MoU(s) to procure the FERMM multipurpose frigate, the Scorpion class submarine, as well as a potential sale of the-state-of-the-art Dassault Rafale.

KSA with France sail towards the ocean and space | Pakistan Defence

 

[airmarshal]

I did understand what the column is reporting. Very bad English or just bad translation.

 

[Ceylal]

The hell is that columnist is talking about?

During Hollande's visit, we signed two MoU(s) to procure the FERMM multipurpose frigate, the Scorpion class submarine, as well as a potential sale of the-state-of-the-art Dassault Rafale.

KSA with France sail towards the ocean and space | Pakistan Defence

Didn't say that KSA didn't sign the contract...Just says nothing came out of it to day..

I did understand what the column is reporting. Very bad English or just bad translation.

Google translation...Still, you will be able to have an idea of what was written..

 

[Yzd Khalifa]

Well,

After spending a considerable amount of time investigating the Mark 3 procurement, I was told by a friend who serves in the MoI, Special Forces division, was supposed to be the customer of this vehicle. However, As I understood from him that the Special Forces division did run an extensive range of tests on it in their HQ, 15 km to north Riyadh. They found out that the vehicle doesn't match the standards they're going to use it for. Basically, if these vehicles were purchased, the SF will be deploying them to the borders of Yemen and Iraq just to prepare for the worst, in case if there is going to be any.

Didn't say that KSA didn't sign the contract...Just says nothing came out of it to day..


Google translation...Still, you will be able to have an idea of what was written..

Yes, it still can be read.

 

[Frosty]

Well,

After spending a considerable amount of time investigating the Mark 3 procurement, I was told by a friend who serves in the MoI, Special Forces division, was supposed to be the customer of this vehicle. However, As I understood from him that the Special Forces division did run an extensive range of tests on it in their HQ, 15 km to north Riyadh. They found out that the vehicle doesn't match the standards they're going to use it for. Basically, if these vehicles were purchased, the SF will be deploying them to the borders of Yemen and Iraq just to prepare for the worst, in case if there is going to be any.



Yes, it still can be read.

We know a bit more about what happened in Saudi Arabia on Mark 3, a renewal program air defense systems

Mark3 is a contract that is yet to be signed for upgrading the Saudi Shaheen (Crotale) air defense missile systems developed by Thales.