Emerging Defence Collaborations Between Pakistan and France

Reports suggest French defence companies are circumventing export restrictions to engage in military contracts with Pakistan through subsidiaries. The Pakistani Navy will enhance its capabilities with new French technology, including advanced defence systems for two ships. The French Defence Attaché’s visit to a Pakistani firm indicates growing military collaborations despite official barriers.

Recent reports indicate that French defence companies are exploring alternative pathways to engage in military contracts with Pakistan, despite France’s explicit policy against arms exports to the nation. These firms are reportedly capitalizing on subsidiaries or shareholders located outside France to facilitate these dealings.

The Pakistani naval forces are poised for a considerable enhancement through the acquisition of French-origin technology. The PNS Hunain and PNS Yamama are set to be outfitted with the MBDA Albatros NG surface-to-air defence system and Thales NS110 surveillance radars, significantly boosting Pakistan’s naval defence and surveillance capabilities.

Additionally, claims have surfaced regarding the French Defence Attaché to Pakistan visiting Daudsons Armoury, a Pakistani defence firm that has ventured into drone warfare by equipping drones with mini-rockets. This development signifies a notable advancement in Pakistan’s military weaponization efforts.

French companies are also reportedly establishing contacts with various Pakistani defence firms, including the Karachi-based Alsons Group, which focuses on precision engineering and defence manufacturing. This collaboration could indicate a burgeoning relationship between the two countries in the defence sector.

Despite France’s restrictions on direct military equipment exports to Pakistan, the situation is further complicated by France’s strong defence ties with India, which opposes military cooperation between France and Pakistan. To navigate these restrictions, French defence firms are employing their extensive networks outside France for military technology supply to Pakistan.

Given the current developments, there are indications that further defence agreements between French and Pakistani companies may soon emerge. Should these negotiations succeed, they might significantly alter the military dynamics between the two nations while circumventing the official restrictions established by the French government.

The evolving nature of these covert defence collaborations raises substantial questions regarding the implications for regional security and diplomatic relations across the Indian subcontinent.

In summary, French defence companies are creatively navigating restrictions on military exports to Pakistan by utilizing international subsidiaries and contacts. The enhancement of Pakistan’s naval capabilities through technological acquisitions signifies an important shift in defence strategy. Moving forward, potential defence agreements could redefine the bilateral military relations between France and Pakistan, necessitating close attention to regional security dynamics.

Original Source: resonantnews.com