Macron must be furious, Dassault Aviation's stock price has plummeted, and India is using French fighter jets to advertise Chinese weapons.

After the conflict between India and Pakistan, Dassault Aviation's stock price dropped sharply. Macron probably didn't expect to be "ambushed" by India's order.

In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Western countries have always been hesitant to provide advanced weapons to Ukraine because they are afraid that if destroyed by Russia, they won't be able to sell them anymore. That's why the F-16 fighters entered Ukraine so late.

However, now India, for its first real combat, had its "Rafale" fighter jet shot down, and it is rumored that the weapon that shot down the French fighter was sold to Pakistan by China.

The whole situation has turned into India fighting Pakistan, but effectively advertising Chinese weapons using French weapons.

This is a double blow for France as an arms exporter. On one hand, India has created a strong competitor for France; on the other hand, how can France sell its own "Rafale" fighters?

You should know that the "Rafale" fighter jet is not only a tactical platform for France but also the mainstay of France's arms exports and a diplomatic pivot. Every year, Dassault's "Rafale" fighter jets have always been the main product in France's arms exports.

Data from 2022 shows that France's arms sales reached a record high of 27.3 billion euros, with half of it contributed by the "Rafale" fighter jets.

To be more specific, almost all of France's largest arms sale orders signed in recent years are related to the "Rafale": In 2021, France exported 80 "Rafale" fighters to the UAE, with a contract amount of up to 16 billion euros; Greece, Qatar, Egypt, and others have also signed large orders, making it a "cash cow," but now India has ruined its reputation.

India-Pakistan Conflict Rekindled

Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831431464341835/

Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views only.