France, Libya Initial Military Deals; Final Signature by July
(Source: compiled by defense-aerospace.com; issued Dec. 11, 2007)
Libya could become Rafale’s first export customer if current negotiations for the sale of up to 14 aircraft are successful. (Dassault Aviation photo)
PARIS --- France and Libya have agreed in principle several military equipment deals worth as much as
4.5 billion euros, but final signature of the contracts depends on the successful conclusion of ongoing negotiations.
According to an Memorandum of Understanding signed here by the two governments on Monday, negotiations are to be concluded by July 1, 2008.
The French government has not confirmed the Rafale sale, and French presidential spokesman David Martinon said Monday “I cannot confirm it, but I can confirm that in the field of armaments cooperation we want to work with the Libyans.” He added that he could not comment on “commercial negotiations.”
According to French media reports, the agreement covers the sale to Libya of up to 14 Dassault Aviation Rafale combat aircraft, armed with MICA air-to-air missiles supplied by MBDA.
The agreement reportedly also covers the supply of 35 military helicopters manufactured by Eurocopter, including ten Tiger attack helicopters, 15 EC725 Caracal multi-mission utility helicopters, and ten AS550 Fennec liaison/training helicopters.
The media reports claim that France has also agreed to supply:
- César 155mm truck-mounted self-propelled howitzers;
- 60 VAB wheeled armored vehicles;
- 13 Sagaie wheeled armored vehicles;
- 25 VBL armored scout/liaison vehicles;
- eight fast patrol boats;
- air-defense radars; and
- the modernization of 12 or more Dassault F-1C combat aircraft bought by Libya in the 1970s.
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fonte:defense-aerospace