France has cleared its aerospace and defence companies to go ahead to undertake complete transfer of technology (TOT) of strategic systems for the $10 billion Indian contract for acquisition of 126 multi-role combat aircraft.
Key technologies that can be transfered include AESA radars, stealth composites and advanced missiles network enabled technologies.
"The French government has given us all clearance for technology transfer of all key systems," said JPHP Chabriol, senior vice president, D'assault Aviation, the manufacturers of French fighters Rafael -- one of the prominent contestants for the Indian contract -- as his new fighter Rafael prepares for the test in Indian conditions in mid-June next year.
France's approval comes even as the US companies may have to seek the State administration and Congressional clearances before parting with the technologies like AESA radar, which ironically has been pioneered by the US defence majors.
According to the field trial schedule sent to the bidding companies, the contending fighters are to undergo resistance to humidity trials in south Indian city of Bangalore, tests for heat and dust in Thar desert in Jodhpur and cold trials in snowy wilderness of Ladakh.
Major French aerospace companies D'assault, Thales and Snecma have joined hands to float Rafael International to popularise the French fighter worldwide. While D'assault will hold 60 per cent stake in the new company, Thales which provides 90 per cent avionics for the fighter and its engine maker Snecma will hold 20 per cent each.
"Rafael makes sense for the IAF after Mirages," Chebriol said expressing his company's determination to stay in the Indian market.