France calls on India to stop exporting spare parts for Russian Su-30s via Kazakhstan

23 October, 2024 Su-30SM2 fighter from a new batch for the Russian Air Force, July 2023 France urged India not to help export spare parts for Russian Su-30s, including through Kazakhstan. Defense.in reported on this.

According to the newspaper, India has received an official notification from the French government regarding blocking exports of spare parts to countries that may supply them to Russia. This concern was caused by the fact that due to the sanctions, Russia is repairing its Su-30 fighter jets in Kazakhstan, as the export of French equipment for the fighters is blocked.

?????????? ????????? ??-30?? ? ??????? RF-81773/ On-board avionics of the Russian Su-30SM, May 2024. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation

According to the documents obtained, in 2024, ARC Group signed a contract with Thales AVS France SAS to maintain SMD55S/SMD66S multifunctional displays and HUD3022 collimator indicators on Kazakhstani Su-30SM fighter jets. In particular, the company requested the following:

  • ILM&OLM Test Benches with 3-year support;
  • development and supply of the Golden LRU;
  • preparation and supply of technical documentation for intermediate maintenance (ILM);
  • preparation and conduct of ILM training in France;
  • installation and commissioning in Kazakhstan.

The contract contains explicit export control provisions with an express prohibition to transfer any goods to the Russian Federation.

In addition, Thales and Safran recently provided a written response to a question regarding the export of equipment to Kazakhstan, stating that no French equipment had been exported to the country.

In addition, Thales has suspended all contracts with the Kazakh plant and is considering filing a lawsuit to terminate the agreement and possibly claim damages.

Safran's response was more cautious, avoiding answering several questions about export control, compliance with sanctions, and cooperation with the Kazakh ARC Group, which positioned itself as Safran's exclusive distributor.

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