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Euronews
14-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
How Serbia's turn to the West provoked Putin's reaction
US President Donald Trump hoped to bring a swift end to Russia's war in Ukraine, but six months into the office, he was only left to voice disappointment with Russia's Vladimir Putin following their phone call last week, over Putin's ongoing reluctance to end the three-year-long war in Europe. Putin is digging in for a long political battle of influence with Washington. Serbia, a Western Balkan country also friendly to Russia, seems to be now a new target, after it has come to light that Serbia was supplying Ukraine with arms for quite some time, since the war began. Moscow called it 'stab in the back' and 'betrayal' with Russia's spy agency posting a statement suggesting rockets for multiple rocket launchers and mortar shells, or components for them, where sold through two companies from Bulgaria and the Czech Republic, making this a second official rebuke from Moscow to Belgrade, within a month. Aleksandr Dugin, well-known Russian far-right philosopher, often referred in Russian media as 'Putin's brain' who was sanctioned by the US Department of Treasury in 2015 for his involvement in Russia's war suggested that 'Serbian President (Aleksandar) Vučić has lost legitimacy', also lending support for the ongoing protests against corruption, negligence and poor quality constructions in Serbia that never stopped following deadly canopy collapse in Novi Sad on 1 November 2024. Recently, the Serbian president announced a halt to all military equipment exports. Besides arming Ukraine, Putin didn't like Serbia's recent major agreements with the West. Last July, Serbia, the EU, and Germany signed a battery supply chain deal giving the EU access to raw materials mined in Serbia. With a significant lithium deposit, particularly in the Jadar Valley, Serbia has the potential to become a major European supplier of the crucial battery metal. Germany's then-Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the deal as a mega project that could reduce Europe's dependency on China. If implemented, the $2.4 billion (€2bn) Jadar lithium project could cover 90% of Europe's current lithium needs. In Belgrade, tens of thousands of protesters rallied against the deal, fearing irreparable pollution of the Jadar valley, despite officials' warnings of their alleged plot to topple Vučić and his government. Many were waving the flag of combined Russian and Serbian colours. While Putin may have hoped to get hold of the lithium vast reserves in Serbia, just last week Russian troops have taken over the site of one of the Ukraine's most valuable lithium deposits near the village of Shevchenko in Donetsk region, leaving just two out of four lithium deposits in central Ukraine under the government control. Serbia also signed a €2.7 billion deal to purchase Rafale jets from France's Dassault Aviation, signalling a major shift in Serbia's security and political stance, moving away from Russia, its traditional ally and weapons supplier. Finally, the US EXIM Board of Directors approved a preliminary commitment to Serbia's Telekom Group for $50 million (€42.8m) to support the preparation and rollout of their 5G telecommunications network. This transaction further reinforces EXIM's China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP) as 5G security is a high government priority and falls under one of the 10 transformational export areas supported by EXIM. All this was enough for Moscow to decide to attempt to destabilise the government in Belgrade. It is to be seen if Putin has yet crossed Trump's 'red line' and if Washington is willing to unleash more painful sanctions on Russia. One thing is clear – Moscow's continued defiance and rogue activities in its neighbourhoods have awakened the Trump administration. Ambassador John B. Craig, former US Ambassador to Oman and Special Assistant to President Bush for Combating Terrorism. He is a Senior Fellow at the Transatlantic Leadership Network in Washington and a member of the advisory board of the Institute for Politics and the Economy of Southeast Europe.
India.com
13-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
BIG shock for France as India may reduce number of Rafale fighter jets due to..., IAF likely to opt for THESE warplanes from...
(File) In a major blow to French aerospace manufacture Dassault Aviation, India is reportedly mulling to reduce the number of Rafale fighter jets in the Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, and instead opt for a 5th-generation fighter jet– either the Sukhoi Su-57, or the F-35A– from Russia or the United States, respectively. Why India doesn't want Rafales anymore? According to reports, after the recent India-Pakistan conflict during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Defense Ministry has reconsidered its position on acquiring more Rafale fighter jets from France, and is likely to make sweeping changes in the tender process for the 114 Rafale fighter planes, and instead of issuing tenders, may opt to sign government to government level agreements for the purchase. Reports suggest that the Indian government may halve the number of Rafale F4 fighter jets in the original tender from 114 to about 60, and purchase an equal number of 5th-generation stealth fighter jets from either Russia or the United States. The move is aimed to strengthen the combat capability of the Indian Air Force, and fill the need for a next-gen fighter fleet till India's homegrown AMCA becomes ready for operational use. How India's decisions impacts Dassault Aviation? The decision to cut the Rafale purchase in half is a major blow to Dassault Aviation as the French defence and aerospace manufacturer had demanded an order of at least 100 units to set up a full-scale production line in India. However, now the tables have turned as the Defense Ministry has asked the French aerospace giant that the partial assembly of Rafale F4 jets must be done in India to boost the 'Make in India' initiative. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has been tasked with manufacturing the fuselage (airframe body) of Rafale, which confirms that the aircraft will be partially assembled in India. Additionally, India could also ask Dassault to reduce the per unit cost as a mandatory condition for the purchase. Which 5th-gen stealth fighter will India buy? Its no secret that India is rapidly seeking to acquire a 5th-generation stealth fighter jet, especially since Pakistan has already announced that it's air force will receive a fleet of 5th-gen J-35 fighters from China. While Pakistan is restricted to most of its arms imports from China, India has two options with regards the purchase of a next-gen fighter aircraft– the Sukhoi Su-57E from Russia, and the F-35A or F-35 Lightning II from the United States. However, both options carry their own unique political and technical baggage. While the F-35 comes with several crippling conditions and end-usage restrictions, serious questions have been raised on the actual efficacy and technology used in the Russian Su-57 and the manufacturing capacity of Russia, especially amid the war with Ukraine.
India.com
13-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Anil Ambani unveils masterplan to rule the skies, to invest Rs 100000000000 for development of...
Anil Ambani (File) In yet another significant business move, Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence has announced a Rs 10,000 crore investment in the aerospace manufacturing sector to fund its ambitious project of launching the first 'Made in India' commercial aircraft by 2028. The Reliance Group company has partnered with French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation to manufacture the Falcon 2000 LXS Business Executive Jets in India for the global market. This will mark the first instance when Dassault will build the Falcon 2000 jets outside France What is the Reliance-Dassault deal? According to official details, Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure, has partnered with Dassault Aviation to manufacture the Falcon 2000 LXS Business Executive Jets in India for the global market. Anil Ambani-led Reliance Aerostructure and Dassault Aviation launched DRAL as a joint venture in 2017, and established a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mihan, Nagpur, marking the start of operations. Since 2017, DRAL has constructed more than 100 key subsections for the Falcon 2000 since delivering its first Falcon 2000 front section in 2019, demonstrating its superior precision manufacturing skills and contributing significantly to the Falcon global production program. As per an official release, DRAL is expected to recruit several hundred engineers and technicians over the next decade to support its expanding operations. 'This growth underscores Dassault Aviation's deep commitment to strengthening India's aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and advancing the nation's emergence as a global center of excellence for high-precision aviation production.' How Anil Ambani plans to make India an aerospace manufacturing hub? Dassault Aviation– primarily known for its Rafale fighter jets which are operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF)– termed the agreement with Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), another subsidiary of Anil Ambani's Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, as an 'epic moment' for India, who will join an elite club of countries that manufacture next-generation business jets, including the United States, France, Canada and Brazil. According to experts, the Reliance-Dassault deal would established India as a major player in the global aerospace manufacturing industry. In a statement, Reliance Defence MD and CEO Rajesh Dhingra said the company aims to transform India into a major aerospace manufacturing hub in the next five years. Commenting on the deal, Anil Ambani asserted that the collaboration reflects the Reliance Group's commitment 'to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self Reliant India)' and 'Make in India for the World'.' 'Our partnership with Dassault Aviation for manufacturing of Falcon Business Jets in India is a defining moment for the country, Aviation Industry and the Reliance Group. This will help position India as a key force in the global aerospace value chain,' the Reliance Group Chairman said.
India.com
12-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Anil Ambani beats Mukesh Ambani, to invest Rs 100000000000 in development of..., to see results in...
Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani (File) In a significant move by Anil Ambani aimed at providing a major boost to aerospace manufacturing in India, Reliance Defence has announced a Rs 10,000 crore investment in the sector to fund its ambitious project of launching the first 'Made in India' commercial aircraft by 2028. How Anil Ambani plans to raise funds? According to details, Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure, has partnered with French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation to manufacture the Falcon 2000 LXS Business Executive Jets in India for the global market. A portion of the investment will be raised by Reliance Infra, the parent company of Reliance Defence, which is planning to raise about Rs 17,600 crore through equity shares, institutional placement and foreign currency bonds, in addition to funneling capital funds from the monetization of nine road projects. In a statement, Reliance Defence MD and CEO Rajesh Dhingra said the company aims to transform India into a major aerospace manufacturing hub in the next five years. Why DRAL Nagpur will play a key role? As per an official release, Dassault Aviation– primarily known for its Rafale fighter jets which are operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF)– termed the agreement with Reliance Aerostructure Limited (RAL), a subsidiary of Anil Ambani's Reliance Infrastructure Ltd, as an 'epic moment' for India, who now joins an elite club of countries manufacturing next-generation business jets after the United States, France, Canada and Brazil. This will be the first instance when Dassault will build the Falcon 2000 jets outside France. The company said that its Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) at Mihan in Nagpur, Maharashtra, will be the Centre of Excellence (CoE) outside of France for Dassault Aviation's Falcon series, including the Falcon 6X and Falcon 8X programs. The first flight of the 'Made in India' Falcon 2000 is expected to take place from the DRAL Facility by 2028, it said. Dassault to transfer Falcon 2000 assembly to DRAL According to the agreement, Dassault will also transfer the assembly of the front section of Falcon 8X and Falcon 6X, in addition to the wings and complete fuselage assembly of the Falcon 2000 to DRAL. 'This new agreement, which will make DRAL the first centre of excellence for Falcon assembly outside France and which will eventually enable the establishment of a final assembly line for the Falcon 2000, illustrates, once again, our firm intent to meet our 'Make in India' commitments, and to contribute to the recognition of India as a major partner in the global aerospace supply chain. It marks the ramp-up of DRAL, in line with the strategic vision shared with our partner Reliance, which led to its creation in 2017 and is a testament to our unwavering belief in our future in India and serving India,' said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO, Dassault Aviation. The release termed the deal as a 'landmark initiative', which will see India emerge as a strategic center for high-end business jet manufacturing, underscoring the nation's growing prominence in the global aerospace ecosystem. 'The new final assembly line will cater to rising demand in India and other international markets,' it added. What is the Dassault-Reliance deal? Anil Ambani-led Reliance Aerostructure and Dassault Aviation launched DRAL as a joint venture in 2017, and established a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Mihan, Nagpur, marking the start of operations. Since 2017, DRAL has constructed more than 100 key subsections for the Falcon 2000 since delivering its first Falcon 2000 front section in 2019, demonstrating its superior precision manufacturing skills and contributing significantly to the Falcon global production program. As per the release, DRAL is expected to recruit several hundred engineers and technicians over the next decade to support its expanding operations. 'This growth underscores Dassault Aviation's deep commitment to strengthening India's aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and advancing the nation's emergence as a global center of excellence for high-precision aviation production.'
India.com
12-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Pakistan, China propaganda fails as this neighbouring country of India is set to deploy biggest Rafale fighter jet fleet; deal is.., it is...
Though China has been making strides in the technological sector, it has always been nervous about India's Rafale jets. In May this year, during a military confrontation with Pakistan, India's Rafales demonstrated superiority over the weapons the Pakistani army used, which were made in China. Despite the presence of Chinese-made air defense systems, the Indian Air Force operated in Pakistani airspace and struck important military targets. Now, with India preparing to field the largest Rafale fleet in the region next to China, China's concerns are only going to increase. Indonesia is poised to formally finalize an expanded defense deal with France, which will see it acquire 24 more Rafale multirole fighter jets. This is expected to change the strategic power balance in Southeast Asia over the next decade. The significance of this deal is further bolstered by the fact that, despite extensive propaganda by China and Pakistan against the Rafale, Indonesia has placed its confidence in the jet, underscoring the aircraft's importance in reference to defense planning in the region. According to defense sources quoted by the French media outlet La Tribune, 'Indonesia is no longer seeking a dozen Rafales, but rather 24 fighter jets manufactured by Dassault Aviation.' Furthermore, it added that the contract might be signed during the Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Paris. It is reported that the Indonesian President will be France's guest of honor on July 14, on the Bastille Day celebrations. As per Eurasian Times, several other key defence contracts are likely to be signed during the Paris visit. This includes a deal for two Scorpène submarines, up to 36 Caesar self-propelled guns, and light frigates. Indonesia is an important defense partner for France in Southeast Asia. Historically dependent on Russian military equipment, Jakarta has been seeking to diversify its defense suppliers and, in this process, is increasingly looking to France. The defense relationship between Indonesia and France formally began in 2022 when Indonesia signed a contract worth US$8.1 billion to purchase 42 Rafale jets. Subsequently, Jakarta announced plans to buy 13 long-range air surveillance radars from France's Thales in 2023, then purchase two 'Scorpene' submarines from the French state shipbuilder Naval Group in 2024. This was also the start of a new chapter in Indonesia's defense procurement, showing a clear preference for French equipment. Indonesia has not yet received its first Rafale fighter aircraft. Mohamad Tonny Harjono, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, said in February that the six aircraft would arrive in Indonesia during the first half of 2026. The contract will be delivered in three phases of acquisition of 6, 18, and 18. If the purchase of 24 more Rafales is completed, Indonesia would become the first foreign customer for the French-made fighter since the May India-Pakistan conflict, during which Pakistan claimed to shoot down five Indian jets with its Chinese-made J-10CE and JF-17 fighters specifically three Rafales. To add nuance to the story, it is also worth noting that while the Indian Air Force (IAF) also acknowledged combat losses to Pakistan in the brief four-day war, it has, however, not published the number of aircraft lost or any information regarding the type of aircraft lost.
