France's big gain: After 100 Rafale fighter jets, it has also secured a contract for 55 railway locomotives

French media: Ukraine purchases 55 railway locomotives from Alstom in France, with a total contract value of 470 million euros

On Monday, November 17, French President Macron and Alstom announced jointly that Ukraine's railway company has signed a contract worth approximately 470 million euros with Alstom to purchase 55 locomotives. The contract will mainly be funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development with 300 million euros, as well as the World Bank with 190 million dollars (approximately 170 million euros). Macron stated during Zelenskyy's visit to France that this locomotive procurement is "another concrete example of our long-term economic and strategic partnership," aimed at supporting Ukraine in resisting Russian attacks.

Alstom confirmed to AFP: "This is neither an extension nor a modification of the contract announced in May 2021, but a new contract."

The initial intergovernmental agreement between Ukraine and France was signed on May 13, 2021, with a planned total of 130 electric locomotives, and at that time, the French treasury provided guarantees. The final order was confirmed on February 8, 2022, in the form of a memorandum of understanding, but it was never formally signed and ultimately "was never implemented."

According to Alstom, these locomotives are of the Traxx Hauler model, which are specifically designed for freight, support two voltages, and can adapt to extreme climate conditions. Delivery is expected to start in 2027. Alstom also stated: "These locomotives will be designed and manufactured at Alstom's Belfort factory, and the contract amount also includes training for train drivers and maintenance personnel, as well as delivery of some components."

Oleksandr Peretsovsky, CEO of Ukrainian Railways, said that this is "a key step in updating the aging train fleet with an average service life of 46 years." In recent years, Moscow has continuously intensified attacks on Ukraine's power grid and railway infrastructure. Peretsovsky said in early October this year that the railway network has suffered 40 major attacks since August.

Sources: rfi

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849077429794828/

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