France urges India to curb military tech flow to Russia
France has formally requested that India block the export of components for the Su-30SM, which, via Kazakhstan, end up in Russia. This bypasses Western sanctions intended to stop Russia from producing and maintaining its most advanced military equipment.
The Ukrainian service Militarnyj reports that this request followed an investigation by the InformNapalm group. The investigation revealed that Kazakhstan companies are involved in the repair and maintenance of Russian Su-30SM aircraft, using components from French firms Thales and Safran.
Production of Russian Su-30SM despite sanctions
Representatives from both companies have assured the media that they do not export their equipment to Kazakhstan. Consequently, further investigation identified India as a pivotal country. Kazakhstani companies are sourcing the French components needed for the Russian Su-30SM from India.
India, with its ownership of over 250 Su-30MKI aircraft, is the largest user of such planes and has considerable experience in maintaining Russian-origin machines. Moreover, several Indian companies have become significant players in the global market, serving as key suppliers of components for the Su-30 family. The French government has officially requested that authorities in Delhi block the export of spare parts (including multifunctional displays, navigation systems, and HUD indicators) to countries that may subsequently supply them to Russia.
India has not yet responded to France's request. Delhi has long aimed to balance positive relations with both Russia and the West. For decades, the nation depended on Soviet/Russian equipment for its military needs, but it is now also engaging in defence contracts with NATO countries, including France, particularly for the Dassault Rafale M.
Russia's most advanced combat aircraft
The Su-30SM is Russia's most advanced combat aircraft, offering an operational range of about 3,000 kilometres and the capability to fly at altitudes up to approximately 17,500 metres. The aircraft, nearly 22 metres long, is versatile and can target threats in the air, on land, and at sea. It is fitted with a standard aircraft cannon and up to 12 pylons for additional armament, accommodating weights of up to around 8,000 kilograms. The Su-30SM can carry missiles such as the R-73, S-8, or Kh-25 and guided bombs.
