Recent reports reveal that French defence companies are navigating restrictions on arms exports to Pakistan by utilizing subsidiaries abroad. As Pakistan bolsters its naval capabilities with advanced French technology, new partnerships are emerging in the defence sector. Despite official limitations from France, these covert dealings may reshape military collaborations in the region.
Recent findings indicate that French defence companies are adopting alternative strategies to secure military contracts with Pakistan, in light of France’s formal stance against arms exports to the nation. Reportedly, these firms are utilizing subsidiaries or shareholders based in countries other than France to facilitate these agreements.
The acquisition of French technology is poised to significantly enhance Pakistan’s naval capabilities. The vessels PNS Hunain and PNS Yamama will be outfitted with the MBDA Albatros NG surface-to-air defence system, complemented by Thales NS110 surveillance radars, thereby boosting both defence and surveillance functionalities of the Pakistani Navy.
In further developments, the French Defence Attaché to Pakistan is reported to have visited Daudsons Armoury, a local defence company that has recently ventured into drone warfare, now equipping drones with mini-rockets. This indicates a strategic shift towards sophisticated weaponry in Pakistan’s defence landscape.
Moreover, French firms are said to be engaging with other Pakistani defence enterprises, such as the Karachi-based Alsons Group, known for its precision engineering and defence manufacturing capabilities. This interaction points to a growing interest in collaborative ventures despite existing restrictions.
Although France upholds a strict policy that prohibits direct military equipment exports to Pakistan—complicated further by its robust defence alliance with India—French defence companies are circumventing these limitations through their networks outside of France for technology supply.
Reports suggest that further defence agreements between French and Pakistani firms may be forthcoming, potentially reshaping the military dynamics between the two nations despite the French government’s imposed restrictions. These evolving clandestine defence collaborations could impact the broader regional security context of the Indian subcontinent.
In summary, French defence firms are seeking innovative methods to engage with Pakistan amidst governmental restrictions on arms exports. The enhancement of Pakistan’s naval capabilities, as evidenced through new technology acquisitions, marks a significant shift in the country’s defence strategies. The potential for future agreements indicates a notable evolution in military relations, which may have wider implications for regional security.
Original Source: resonantnews.com
