Pakistan is looking to France to meet its future fighter needs, following the decision by senior US lawmakers to once again block the release of Lockheed Martin F-16s to the country.
The Pakistani Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, disclosed on 25 October that discussions were under way with President Chirac of France on the possible purchase of 40 Mirage 2000s.
The F-16 deal remains blocked because of concerns about Pakistan's nuclear-weapons development programme.
US House-Senate conferees have agreed, however, to release three Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions for Pakistan, along with AiM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and Westinghouse ALQ-131 electronic-warfare pods.
Pakistan previously attempted to acquire Mirages in 1992, but the negotiations collapsed after serious doubts were raised as to Pakistan's ability to pay.
Ever since Iraq defaulted on payment for French weapons delivered before the Gulf War, France has imposed more stringent vetting of potential customers. As a precaution, French manufacturers now insure such exports with a government firm. The government authorises deals only if it considers there is no risk of non-payment.
Source: Flight International
