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<ul class="summary-list"><li>France's Dassault Aviation may not be able to meet demand for its Rafale fighter jet.</li><li>The Rafale has become popular with India and several Middle Eastern nations. </li></ul>France's Rafale fighter has become so popular that the manufacturer may not be able to meet demand, according to a British think tank. And that could have global implications for nations looking to build up their air forces amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, but who want to avoid the political strings attached to the purchase of Russian or US combat aircraft.Rafale manufacturer Dassault Aviation "regularly makes a selling point of its ability to begin delivering Rafale combat aircraft to prospective customers just three years from contract signature," according to an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/military-balance/2024/01/dassaults-whirlwind-of-rafale-orders-may-be-too-much-of-a-good-thing/">analysis</a> by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "However, the company's recent flurry of Rafale sales could make that 36-month commitment more challenging and may even jeopardize some future deals."The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/rafale/introduction/">Rafale</a> ("Squall") is flown, or has been ordered by, eight nations: Egypt, Greece, India, Qatar, Croatia, the UAE, and Indonesia, as well as the French Air Force and Navy. The jet first flew in 1986, and is considered a generation 4.5 fighter, with some advanced features such as limited stealth, the ability to supercruise (fly supersonic without using fuel-guzzling afterburners), and the capability to launch long-range missiles such as the Meteor and Mica.France has bought 234 Rafales, and in addition, another 261 have been ordered by various nations, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/01/12/france-buys-42-rafale-jets-for-more-than-55-billion/">Defense News</a>. The question is whether Dassault can meet the demand. IISS calculates Dassault's production backlog at 228 aircraft. The crunch will be particularly acute between 2026 to 2033, when Dassault will need to deliver 174 Rafales to France, 42 to Indonesia, 80 to the UAE and 10 for Egypt."The French aircraft maker aimed to produce 15 Rafales last year but only completed 13," IISS said. "The company has not yet given 2024 production guidance, though output will likely increase this year and next, given the strong demand. Even so, it is unlikely that annual aircraft numbers will quickly reach mid-20s.""If Dassault production averages 20 Rafales per year across both 2024 and 2025, it leaves 188 aircraft to be delivered between 2026 and 2033. This would necessitate a delivery rate of almost 24 aircraft per year."Difficulties manufacturing modern fighters are hardly unique to Dassault. In 1944, at Ford's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-collections/expert-sets/101765/">Willow Run, Michigan factory</a>, a four-engine B-24 Liberator heavy bomber rolled off the production line every 63 minutes. In 2024, Lockheed Martin is struggling to deliver around a hundred F-35s this year, with each stealth fighter requiring around 40,000 labor hours to complete. Not only are today's aircraft more complicated to build, but they also comprise huge numbers of components often spread across global supply chains.But the F-35 does have the advantage of being a global fighter manufactured by several nations, while the Rafale is a national fighter limited by French resources, argued aviation analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://richardaboulafia.com/september-2023-letter">Richard Aboulafia</a> in September.<div type="image" title="Navy aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle Dassault Rafale M" height="932" width="1400" msid="108218362" hostid="261" sizebytes="35722"></div>While Dassault can take some steps such as switching civilian aircraft production to Rafales, bottlenecks are likely to remain. "While Dassault relies heavily on a domestic supply chain for Rafale that insulates it somewhat from global supply-chain snarls, the company and its suppliers are not immune to them," IISS noted. "Engineering-talent shortages could also derail a sharp increase in Rafale manufacturing. Realistically, the Rafale industrial machine would be challenged to more than double its annual output."Nor are sporadic deliveries of a couple of Rafales here and there an option. "Most new customers placing a sizeable contract would want a delivery rate of at least six aircraft per year in order to train coherent groups of air and ground crew and build up full squadrons at a sensible rate — and achieving those numbers may be a hurdle too high," IISS warned.Until recently, sales of the Rafale have been lackluster. But many nations are beefing up their air forces, even as Lockheed Martin has its hands full making enough F-35s, Russia is busy trying to replace aircraft losses from the Ukraine war despite Western sanctions, and many nations are hesitant to buy <a target="_blank" href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/06/30/china-fighter-jets-aircraft-exports/">Chinese jets</a>.All of which is a plus for the Rafale. In a world where fighter sales have been dominated by US and Russian designs since World War II, French jets have offered customers an alternative. In the 1960s and 1970s, Dassault's agile delta-winged <a target="_blank" href="https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.php?aircraft_id=228">Mirages</a> proved highly effective when flown by air forces such as Israel's.Today, the Rafale is an option for nations that don't want the political and economic baggage that comes with buying American and Russian aircraft such as the F-35, F-16, and Su-35. Or, don't want to depend on a single nation to provide jets.This helps explain why the Rafale has become <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2023-11-07/dassault-rafale-gulf-regions-best-selling-fighter-jet">popular</a> with India and several Middle Eastern nations. But the downside for Rafale customers is that they are dependent on a single nation whose defense-industrial base is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20240119-macron-urges-french-defence-firms-to-boost-production-to-support-ukraine">already struggling</a> to supply Ukraine and replenish France's own military.Michael Peck is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.twitter.com/@mipeck1">Twitter</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mipeck/">LinkedIn</a>.

France's Rafale fighter jet is so popular its manufacturer can't keep up 

Indians can expect a chaotic budget session of Parliament as both the government and the opposition are ready with fresh ammunition to accuse each other of corruption. The government auditor-- the Comptroller and Auditor General of India-- is <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rafale-cag-report-budget-session-1442457-2019-01-30" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">reportedly</a> ready to table its report on the controversial deal to procure 36 Rafale aircraft from France. While the opposition parties were waiting to grasp an opportunity to tarnish the Narendra Modi government’s image, the latter has managed to turn the tables. News agencies <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/agustawestland-co-accused-rajeev-saxena-brought-to-india/articleshow/67761301.cms">reported</a> late on Wednesday that government investigators have managed to bring back key accused in older scandals, still under investigation, that would corner the opposition Congress back into the defensive. Rajiv Saxena, the <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/five-things-to-know-about-agustawestland-vvip-chopper-scam/articleshow/51992563.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">co-accused</a> in the ₹3600 crore AgustaWestland helicopter deal, has been extradited to India from United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported. Media reports also claimed corporate lobbyist Deepak Talwar, an accused of money laundering, has also been extradited. Both are expected to reach India tonight (January 30). Both Saxena and Talwar are accused of receiving kickbacks and laundering money to enable corrupt deals, including those in the defence sector, during the regime led by Congress, preceding the current administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the other hand, the incumbent government is battling charges of corruption in an airline deal of its own, the decision to buy Rafale aircraft from French company Dassault. The price for 36 aircraft purchased by the Modi government in 2016 was allegedly 40% higher per aircraft than what Dassault initially offered for 126 Rafales back in 2012, according <a href="https://ajaishukla.blogspot.com/2018/11/iafs-36-rafales-cost-40-per-cent-more.html" target="_blank">to a report published in Business Standard</a>. It's election year and both the government and its rivals have sensational scandals involving the country's defence to attack each other with. The result may be chaotic to say the least.

The chaos over two defence deals may derail India's budget session of Parliament

<ul><li>New deal saved 2.86% for the Indian exchequer, says India's federal auditor.</li><li>Latest report tabled in the Parliament will help Modi in fighting corruption charges from the opposition.</li><li>Opposition had hoped to corner the Modi government over the controversial defence deal.</li></ul> The Narendra Modi government struck a better deal than the Congress, that's the verdict from the <keyword id="6379775" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Comptroller-and-Auditor-General-of-India">Comptroller and Auditor General of India</keyword> (CAG), the country's federal auditor, which tabled its report on the controversial 2015 deal to buy 36 Rafale jets from French company Dassault, according to news reports. "Compared to the 126 aircraft deal, India managed to save 17.08% money for the India-specific enhancements in the 36 Rafale contract," news agency ANI said, adding that,"the delivery schedule of the first 18 Rafale aircraft is better than the one proposed in the 126 aircraft deal, by five months." However, the full price of the jets have been redacted in the report based on the insistence of the Defence Ministry citing the Indo-French agreement of 2008 and the provisions of inter-government agreement, another news agency IANS reported. In April 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that India will buy 36 French-manufactured Rafale fighter jets off-the-shelf. This was a departure from the original plan, under the previous regime, under which India would buy 18 off-the-shelf jets and another 108 would be assembled by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited or HAL in Bengaluru. Modi , however, intervened and decided to buy 36 "ready-to-fly" fighters instead of trying to acquire technology from Dassault and make it in India. "A Defence Ministry team in March 2015 recommended the scrapping of the 126 Rafale deal saying that Dassault Aviation was not the lowest bidder and EADS (European Aeronautic Defence &amp; Space Company) was not fully compliant with the tender requirements," the CAG report said according to ANI. The opposition parties had cornered the incumbent Modi government alleging that the ₹590 billion deal was more expensive and it included kickbacks. It was also said that the deal was made to help Anil Ambani, whose Reliance Naval and Engineering was reportedly brought in to support Dassault. Both entities have denied this. Modi also faced a direct <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1093733762104524800/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1093733762104524800&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindustantimes.com%2Findia-news%2Fdefence-ministry-note-proves-pm-bypassed-negotiations-with-france-on-rafale-deal-rahul%2Fstory-EUd4UAbFWTQ9lX6XODsLkM.html" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">charge</a> after news reports revealed that the Prime Minister's Office had intervened in the deal negotiations and in fact, dismissed the apprehensions of its own Defence Ministry. The latest report from CAG will be a big blessing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who will be seeking re-election in the upcoming summer. However, the opposition was already prepared. Prior to the release of the report, the Congress party had pre-emptively dismissed the findings of the report, explaining that Rajiv Mehrishi, the current Comptroller and Auditor General of India, took part in the deal’s negotiations.

CAG report on Rafale deal is a blessing for Modi government

<ul><li>The Indian government has started to give <keyword id="10817184" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-procurement-contracts">defence procurement contracts</keyword> to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).</li><li>Dassault Group's software services subsidiary called <keyword id="181533" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dassault-Systemes">Dassault Systemes</keyword>, which already works with companies like NASA, Airbus and Boeing, sees this as an opportunity to enable these MSMEs to deliver on these contracts.</li><li>It is currently in early talks to set up a ‘common shared infrastructure model’ with state governments — like Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu — where MSMEs can design, test and start rolling out technology-enabled defence products.</li></ul>Everyone in India knows that French fighter jet maker <keyword id="230239" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dassault-Aviation">Dassault Aviation</keyword> clinched the deal with India to deliver Rafale, despite all the controversies surrounding it. But, did you know that its parent company, the Dassault Group, has a subsidiary that provides engineering software, much like Microsoft and Oracle — and has an office in India? The software offshoot, Dassault Systemes, is looking to make roadways into the country by capitalising on the Modi administration’s push on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/difference-between-narendra-modi-make-in-india-and-atma-nirbhar-and-why-the-latter-may-work-better/articleshow/77629449.cms">Atma Nirbhar Bharat</a> (Self Reliant India). Under the massive reforms introduced last year, the Indian government is now handing out <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-signals-big-defence-budget-allocation-for-make-in-india/articleshow/80511082.cms">defence procurement contracts</a> to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to boost domestic defence manufacturing. “The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has planned to invest about 63% of the outlay for 2021-22 — about ₹70,221 crore — on domestic procurement. This increase will have a positive impact on enhanced domestic procurement, having a multiplier effect on our industries, including MSMEs and startups,” said Defence Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1363720075467841540">Rajnath Singh</a> during a webinar on February 22. A ‘Fund of Funds’ worth ₹10,000 crore has been specifically created for startups and MSMEs. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Defence procurement contract </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Item </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ideaForge </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹ 145 crore </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Unmanned aerial vehicles for high altitude areas </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bharat Forge </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹178 crore </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Kalyani M4 vehicles </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">OshoCorp Global </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹ 1,325 crore </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Develop and supply auxiliary power units (APUs) for T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Alpha Design Technologies </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹ 590 crore </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Digitise Pechora missile and radar systems </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: Various reports Dassault Systemes wants to capitalise on this opportunity by introducing what they call a ‘common shared infrastructure model’, which essentially an <a href="https://www.3ds.com/insights/customer-stories/wichita-state-university">innovation centre</a>. It is currently in early talks with state governments⁠ looking to set up defence industrial corridors. Namely, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu as identified by India’s Finance Minister <a href="https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1579096">Nirmala Sitharaman</a>. “We’re working with the government to create a ‘common shared infrastructure model’, where the government and Dassault Systemes will invest to create the model. MSMEs will leverage the model and the technologies that are hosted there, so that they also get elevated in the technology adoption scale,” Ravikiran Pothukuchi, the Director of Dassault Systemes told Business Insider in an exclusive interview. Dassault Systemes is already the second-largest player in the global market when it comes to computer-aided design (CAD) software after Siemens. This is basically the use of computers to help with the creation, modification, analysis and optimisation of a product. <div type="image" title="dassault systemes market share" msid="81183311" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Dassault Systemes global market share&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Its clients include bigwigs like Boeing, Airbus, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and its sister company, Dassault Aviation. In India, its clients include Ashok Leyland, Suprajit — India’s largest cable maker — and drone manufacturer General Aeronautics. <div type="image" title="snapshot-1614137962426" msid="81183342" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Distribution of Dassault Systemes&amp;#39; customers across countries&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> “What we realised is that the defence ecosystem of MSMEs [micro, small and medium enterprises] don't have the wavelength to invest in these technologies,” Ravikiran Pothukuchi, the director of Dassault Systemes told Business Insider in an exclusive interview. What is a ‘common shared infrastructure model’? A ‘common share infrastructure model’ is basically a stage where defence manufacturing companies and startups can come, toy with their ideas, and test their concepts — both in the virtual and physical world. “[The companies] take back their learnings and industrialise at a mass scale in their operations set up,” explained Pothukuchi.”That’s the idea that we’re discussing locally as well. There are some governments that have shown interest.” The French IT software services company already has a similar set up in the US state of Wichita in collaboration with the Wichita State University. The state of Wichita is the aerospace hub of the US, like Bengaluru. “Initially, governments are helping them to adapt to these technologies and we’ll become relevant to them at a later date. That is an investment we’re making along with the government,” the IIM-Bengaluru graduate told Business Insider. He hopes that the project to roll out the model will take shape within the next few months. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/datacracy-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-calls-for-a-common-set-of-global-rules-governing-data-not-fragmented-local-ones/articleshow/81176502.cms">Datacracy: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella calls for a common set of global rules governing data— not fragmented local ones</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/indian-space-startup-pixxel-wont-be-launching-its-satellite-on-february-28/articleshow/81170896.cms">Indian space startup Pixxel won’t be launching its satellite on February 28</a>

INTERVIEW: Dassault Group has an India software services unit offering defence MSMEs a digital ‘trial room’ where they can test their products to bag more contracts

The induction of <keyword id="6381048" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="rafale">Rafale</keyword> into Indian Air Force (IAF) today is expected to be a pivotal turning point that will augment the capabilities of Indian Defense Forces. Certainly a game changer by all means, Rafale aircraft in the Indian Air Force will mean the country winning a prime place among the countries that boast of superior fighting aircrafts. When compared with the air power of Pakistan and many other South Asian countries, Rafale will lift up India’s competence significantly though comparing with China’s air strength will be a long way to go. Here are the top characteristics of Rafale that will explain why Rafale is different from Indian fighter aircrafts. The need we confront For about twenty years, India has been viewed to be disadvantaged in terms of long-range arms and sensors vis-a-vis PAF. Rafale will change this fate and bestow on the IAF the crucial edge with far better weapons and sensors. Two F16s need to combine together to counter-challenge a single /Rafale in the air. Since the American Jets have superior radar and missiles, two Su 30MKI need to be knotted to fight one of PAK F16. What India will achieve with Rafale? The weapons package that Rafale will get for India will capacitate India with the ability to engage Pakistani jets from a long distance without the risk of being tracked. In addition, the air-to-ground SCALP missile can precisely track down any target on the Pakistani territory with ease. The precision long-range ground attack missile can attack the specific target accurately. Since Rafale has a range of more than 300 kms, Indian aircrafts will not need to cross the LOC since the operations similar to Balakot can be conducted from within the Indian airspace. Rafale features beyond visual range air to air missile that is the best today. The aircraft can take out the enemy aircraft from a range of more than 100 kms. There is no escape zone of more than 60 km, the missile can easily overtake those of the American origin. What is special about the Rafale aircraft supplied to India? Already countries like France and Egypt have been operating Rafale jets, those that have been supplied to India are more sophisticated and highly customized to meet the specific needs that IAF has today. The pilots can significantly benefit from the helmet mounted sights and targeting systems and can shoot off the weapons with lightning speed. Rafale can easily take off from high altitude air bases like Leh on a cold start in order to carry out quick deployment AMRAAM presently with Pak in a highly accurate manner. The towed decoy system can thwart the incoming missile attacks. Upon the induction of Rafale into the IAF, France will provide industrial support for about 50 years. The future ahead of Rafale in IAF India has plans to acquire not less 36 more Rafale jets. The infrastructure necessary to accommodate them is now ready and a deal to purchase 36 more will cost the country considerably lesser since the specific enhancements required by India have been already paid for.

What is special about the Rafale aircraft supplied to India?

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Marine nationaleA French Dassault Rafale flies above the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>France fired off a nuclear-capable missile from a fighter jet after a treaty between the US and Russia that formed the cornerstone of European nuclear security collapsed.</li><li>France has been flexing its military muscles and asserting its independence since feuding with President Donald Trump over <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">defense</keyword> issues. </li><li>France fired the missile from a fighter jet in a exercise that tested every element of an actual nuclear strike.</li></ul>France, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/9-nuclear-nations-arsenals-ranked-us-vs-russia-china-wins-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of Europe's two nuclear powers</a>, fired off a nuclear-capable missile from a fighter jet while the US and Russia feud over the death of a nuclear treaty that saw Europe purged of most of its weapons of mass destruction during the hair-triggered days of the Cold War. France tested all phases of a nuclear strike with an 11-hour-long mission that saw a Rafale fighter jet refuel and actually fire an unarmed missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, Reuters quoted France's military as saying."These real strikes are scheduled in the life of the weapons' system," French air force spokesman Colonel Cyrille Duvivier said. "They are carried out at fairly regular intervals, but remain rare because the real missile, without its warhead, is fired."Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/9-nuclear-nations-arsenals-ranked-us-vs-russia-china-wins-2019-1" data-analytics-position="7">We ranked the world's nuclear arsenals - here's why China's came out on top</a>France also operates a fleet of ballistic missile submarines that can fire off some of its 280 some nuclear warheads, but the subs move in secrecy and don't provide the same messaging effect as more visible fighter jets. France's nuclear test run comes as the US and Russia fell out of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty, which banned both countries from building nuclear missiels that fly between 300 and 3,200 miles. In 1987, this treaty saw Europe and Russia remove an entire class of nuclear warheads from the continent in one of the most successful acts of arms control ever. The US has accused Russia of having violated the treaty for years, and<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nato-sides-with-trump-on-inf-as-democrats-attack-his-decison-2019-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> with all NATO's backing</a>, the US finally decided to exit the treaty.Read more:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nato-sides-with-trump-on-inf-as-democrats-attack-his-decison-2019-2" data-analytics-position="1"> NATO is on Trump's side as Democrats attack him for pulling out of the nuke deal with Russia</a>But while France as part of NATO sided with the US, France has increasingly sought to distance itself from the US in foreign policy and military affairs, and increasing the visibility of its nuclear arsenal is one way to assert independence. <h2>France flexes its nuclear might against Russia, but also the US</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Christophe Petit Tesson/Pool via AP</div></div></div>French President Emmanuel Macron, during a spat with President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-attacks-frances-macron-over-his-plan-for-a-european-army-2018-11" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pushed the idea of creating a European army</a>, which got backing from Germany. Experts, however, point out that this idea is largely redundant under NATO and unlikely to ever take shape.Nonetheless, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-has-last-laugh-on-america-first-after-macron-yellow-vest-u-turn-2018-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Trump took direct offense to Macron's idea and mocked him over it on Twitter</a>. "We Europeans cannot remain spectators of our own security," French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly said on Tuesday at a conference in Portugal. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/roger-stone-donald-trump-richard-nixon-2017-2">Roger Stone explains what Trump has in common with Richard Nixon</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

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France's Rafale fighter jet is so popular its manufacturer can't keep up

Michael Peck

The chaos over two defence deals may derail India's budget session of Parliament

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CAG report on Rafale deal is a blessing for Modi government

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INTERVIEW: Dassault Group has an India software services unit offering defence MSMEs a digital ‘trial room’ where they can test their products to bag more contracts

Prabhjote Gill

What is special about the Rafale aircraft supplied to India?

BI India Bureau

France fires nuclear-capable missile in a rare show as Russia and US feud over arms treaty

Alex Lockie

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