POF, French company sign agreement on rocket technology

[Neo]

POF, French company sign agreement on rocket technology

* Roxel official says induction of new technology will make weapon more ‘effective, lethal’

LONDON: The Pakistan Ordnance Factories and a French company on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on upgrading the capabilities of the armed forces’ 122mm rockets.

POF Chairman Lt General Shujaat Zamir Dar and Roxel company President David Quancard signed the MoU on the sidelines of the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition, which opened in East London. Defence Production Minister Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi was also present.

When materialised, the contract would help the armed forces enhance the firing range of the 122mm rockets in its arsenal from their current range of 20 kilometres to 40km and beyond.

New technology: Talking to reporters, Roxel Chief Sales Executive Francis Rodriguez said Pakistani rockets had been equipped with Russian technology and were outdated, adding once the actual agreement was signed, the induction of new technology would not only increase the rockets’ range but also make the weapon more lethal and effective. He said the POF was manufacturing defence equipment of international standard and his company trusted Pakistani technology, adding he was happy to be assisting the POF in bringing further new advancements.

Rodriguez said since the induction of a democratic government in Pakistan, its relations with France had strengthened and both President Asif Ali Zardari and French President Nicholas Sarkozy were keen on seeing them further consolidate in all fields, particularly the defence sector.

France is already a major supplier of defence equipment to Pakistan, including the Mirage warplanes and submarines and other equipment.

Meanwhile, the defence production minister said Pakistan’s defence products had gained international recognition, but the lack of funds prevented the POF from enhancing its production capacity. app