Dassault has adopted a wait-and-see approach to the politically sensitive issue of possible further fighter sales to Taiwan, in spite of French Government assurances to China that no more arms will be sold to the island.
"We've developed a relationship with Taiwan and we think we have a future in this country," says Dassault senior vice-president Jean-Claude Girard. "We don't know what the policy will be in the future and its easier to maintain a position in a market then enter a new one," he adds.
Dassault recently delivered the first of 60 Mirage 2000-5 fighters ordered by Taiwan's Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) in 1992. The deal resulted in a political backlash from the Government in Beijing, threatening Sino-French trade links. Following assurances by French president Jacques Chirac that no additional weapons would be sold, relations with China have improved.
In the wake of the election of a new Socialist Government in France, Taiwan officials have been quick to express hope of purchasing a further 60 Mirage 2000-5 fighters.
While noting that Government policies often change, Girard cautions that Dassault is bound by the existing ban and cannot sell any more beyond the 60 aircraft now contracted.
Longer-term RoCAF interest is focused on the acquisition of a fifth-generation fighter, with a study and evaluation of US and European candidate aircraft planned to take place.
"It's normal for an air force to look forward to see what aircraft it wants in five to ten years time," notes Girard, but he adds that Taiwan has not yet been given any briefing on the Dassault Rafale.
Dassault's export sales efforts for the Rafale, in the meantime, are focused on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the aircraft is competing against the Eurofighter EFA2000 and Lockheed Martin F-16 for an order. "We're in discussions with the UAE and expect a positive move very soon," says Girard. Other potential Rafale buyers in talks with Dassault include Australia, Singapore and South Korea.
Source: Flight International
