Back in 1978, I was admitted to Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Chapter 526 A Warning to Dassault: If you dare to sell fighter jets to a certain region, we'll crush you!
Russians really do love to drink!

They originally wanted to sell ejection seats to the East, hoping to exchange them for other chips so they could acquire Eastern equipment without spending any money.

but……

Qin Liang didn't give them a chance to further promote their products!
Upon seeing the liquor, the Russians forgot their mission and went back with the bottles in their arms.

This day has come to a perfect end!

That evening, news of the airshow was reported, and the next day, various newspapers gave extensive coverage to the airshow.

Normally, the French would be thrilled; this is a chance to shine on the world stage. But now…

The reports about the advanced ejection seats of the old Mao Zedong were the most eye-catching, and the photo of the pilot being ejected when the fighter jet landed became the headline!
Who would have thought that hosting a large-scale, world-class airshow would result in a failed flight performance stealing the show!
Even worse, the French didn't have ejection seats!
France claims to be independently developing fighter jets, but it's impossible for them to develop every single part. For example, they can only purchase ejection seats from the British company Martin-Baker!
Therefore, they haven't been able to build momentum yet!

On this day, the airshow did not feature French or Russian fighter jets, so it became the stage for American fighter jets.

The F-16 soars through the sky, showcasing the formidable performance born from the theory of energy maneuverability.

Amidst the roar of engines, Qin Liang received a group of dejected Americans.

“Mr. Ben Rich, there’s nothing I can do about this. Yes, I was the one who proposed the idea of ​​the joint fighter jet to you, but your air force disagreed. They didn’t want advanced technology to leak out, so they prevented you from promoting this fighter jet. Since you can’t do it, then we in the East can do it. That’s not betraying you, is it?”

Ben Richter's expression was incredibly complicated: "Yes, I know that's true, but... this business is too big, could you... include Lockheed Corporation as well?"

"If we add you guys, what if the US government prevents us from selling this fighter jet because it contains American technology? Dude, from my personal standpoint, I really hope to cooperate with you, but... there are risks on your side."

This statement makes it very clear!
Ben Rich could only sigh helplessly.

"Sigh, our Lockheed Corporation has developed so many aircraft, but I never thought... we would actually fall on hard times."

"How could that be? We have other collaborative projects. I believe our collaborative projects will definitely succeed! Besides, the YF-23 sounds advanced, but its development is also very difficult. In the end, if it fails, the U.S. Air Force will have to come back to Lockheed."

Qin Liang lowered his voice: "Even if their research and development is successful, the investment will be extremely high. The United States can't possibly only have one heavy fighter jet. Just like the F-15 and F-16, which are a high-low mix, they will definitely need a medium fighter jet as well. You still have a chance! When you need it in the future, we can license this technology to you, and then you can develop the aircraft directly!"

Ben Richie had mixed feelings, but since Qin Liang had said so, he had no choice but to end the meeting in silence.

Since collaborating with Northwestern Polytechnical University, they have acquired a wealth of advanced technologies, but... they've been sidelined by the U.S. Air Force, which is truly...

Hmph, technique is always the most important thing. In the future, our side can still win by relying on technique!
Ben Richie became more determined.

Qin Liang saw Ben Richie off and, before he could even rest, welcomed guests once again.

"We were deeply saddened to hear that Mr. Dassault had passed away. The aviation industry has lost a master."

Qin Liang was deeply moved, while Olivier Dassault, the leading figure of the third generation of the Dassault family, had a complex expression on his face.

Don't you know how my grandfather died? He was driven to his death by you all!
However... we can't say that, after all, the Easterners didn't go to their house to cause trouble. This is just normal business competition, and the competition hasn't even started yet. Besides, old Dassault is so old, this is definitely a happy death.

"Thank you for your concern. I've come here today to represent Dassault Systèmes in importing some advanced computer and CAD software from you, especially software for stealth aircraft calculations..."

The Dassault family has a wide range of interests. Even Dassault Systèmes has many subsidiaries, one of which is Dassault Systems. Their mission is to provide CAD software to companies around the world.

Without Northwestern Polytechnical University, Dassault Systèmes' CAD software would have been the best-selling in the 1980s; even Boeing had to buy their software for research and development.

but now……

The most advanced hardware is in the East, and so is the most advanced software!
Dassault Systèmes also had to source from the East!
Of course, they'll only make this purchase once! Once they can complete the calculations for the stealth shape, their stealth aircraft will be ready! For the development of the Dassault fighter jet, they must purchase it from Northwestern Polytechnical University!
"First of all, the software used to perform stealth calculations is just a rumor. We don't have any professional software; we write programs only when needed."

Are you kidding me! Can't you see all the companies coming to us for cooperation?
You've already borrowed our computers, and now you want to give us the software so you can own it yourselves?
Of course that's impossible!

Olivier's expression turned slightly unpleasant.

Of course we have it! The British have already said, if you don't want to give it, then don't give it. There's no need to try to fool us like this.
"As for introducing advanced computers and CAD software, that's no problem. We can sell you a computer with a computing power of one billion operations per second, but it will have to be placed in a special room and guarded by our people. Just give us the programs you need."

Olivier's face flushed red instantly.

"Your most advanced computer has a computing power of hundreds of billions of calculations! And now you're only willing to sell one with a computing power of one billion? Moreover, you won't even let us have access to it? This is just too much!"

"No, no, this is international practice! In the 1970s, when our technology was lagging behind, we imported computers from the West, and that's how it was done. And what about the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM)? They wouldn't sell us the most advanced technology. By the way, COCOM's full name is the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls, right? It was initiated by you French people."

Olivier suddenly realized that he really had no words to say anything!

That's right, COCOM was originally established in Paris with the aim of restricting socialist countries. Now, unexpectedly, they're the ones being restricted themselves... This...

Although it's called the Coordinating Committee for Multilateral Export Controls (COCOM), it's not just a French organization; it has 17 member states!
"Principal Qin, there are 17 countries in COCOM! Britain, Germany, and Italy are all included, you can't include us!"

"Yes, Britain, Germany, and Italy have all chosen to cooperate with us. If Dassault had chosen to have us help with the design, would we have needed to go through all this trouble?"

It seems to be the same...

No, absolutely not!
Dassault's greatest pride is its ability to independently design and develop fighter jets!

The tools used for this design can be bought, but what's the point of buying the design itself?

Old Dassault just passed away, and hasn't even been cremated yet. If he heard that the East was helping to design the plane, he would be so angry that he would climb out of his coffin!
"No, no, we only want to buy design tools. We would appreciate it if you could help us by providing us with advanced computers..."

“Mr. Olivier, this isn’t the first time we’ve dealt with each other. Since you’re so sincere, it’s not that we can’t sell, it’s just that…”

"Just what?"

"However, the fact that we sell you advanced computers may in the end backfire on us."

"President Qin, what do you mean by that? Do you think our products will threaten the sales of your Northwestern Polytechnical University's products? Although we are very reluctant to admit it, in reality, that is completely impossible. Our products are outdated and cannot compete with your products."

He certainly didn't want to admit it, but now, if he wanted to buy advanced technology from the East, he had to dispel the East's concerns.

"Yes, I admit that too."

"You agreed quite quickly!" Olivier said, somewhat embarrassed.

“We are confident that we can compete with Dassault in the regions where we can export. However, there are some regions where we cannot export but you can. These regions are Dassault’s potential markets.”

what does this mean?
Wait, did they say a region?

Olivier suddenly realized something, his face turning grim: "Principal Qin, what do you mean by that? I don't understand." "You recently reached an export agreement with a certain region to export a batch of Mirage F1 fighter jets to them, and they will also be equipped with M53 engines. Mr. Olivier, you can't pretend you don't know about this."

Olivier's face darkened further: "Principal Qin, how can you say that? Dassault Aviation, when exporting fighter jets, naturally has to abide by all agreements, we..."

"You will comply on the surface, but once these fighter jets are in the hands of a certain region, you will say that it was the work of a third party and had nothing to do with you."

Olivier's face flushed red and then turned pale: "Principal Qin, to be honest, Dassault Aviation will absolutely not cooperate with them. However, if a third party wants to export, we really can't control it. After all, the planes are in their hands, and it's their choice who they sell them to."

"So, the advanced computers we export to you, which you then use to produce advanced fighter jets, will still end up in the hands of certain people, right?"

Olivier remained silent.

This reasoning is correct.

They may only dare to export the Mirage F1 now, but in the future, they will be able to export more advanced aircraft. Fighter jets designed using Eastern computers may also appear in the relevant regions.

and so……

“Mr. Olivier, we don’t want to see any Dassault fighter jets in that region, regardless of whether they were sold directly by Dassault or not. Any fighter jet manufactured by Dassault is unacceptable!”

Qin Liang's attitude was firm: "As long as a Mirage or Rafale appears over there, there is no doubt that Dassault Aviation will be involved. We don't want to go to any third party. Whoever produced it must be responsible to the end!"

Olivier lowered his head and remained silent.

"Even if we don't export computer equipment to you, if Mirage fighters appear in that region, we'll hold you accountable! Then, we'll spare no effort to contain Dassault Systèmes globally!"

Olivier blushed: "Principal Qin, you can't do that, it's too rough!"

"No, no, I think this is the best way! Protests are the behavior of the weak! Now that we have the strength, we will encircle and suppress you. If we can compete, we will compete directly with you! Our prices will always be half of yours, and the fighter jets we provide will always be superior to yours!"

Even at half the price, there's still plenty of profit, considering how expensive French fighter jets are!
The French can sell a Rafale for hundreds of millions, not to mention the maintenance and upkeep costs over the years, or the service fees included. Service fees can be cut off at any time later on.

When the Rafale was shot down, the French banned the Rafale fighter jets from taking off. If users wanted to continue flying, they would definitely be remotely locked down.

Protesting is pointless unless we actually take action and intercept the entire shipment. But... the Eastern Navy isn't strong enough right now. If we really do that, it will be difficult to rescue our cargo ships if those white pirates try to intercept them on the vast ocean.

Why not engage in business competition?

Why would the French sell airplanes to a certain region? It's all about the money!

As long as you make a show of force and tell them that once this one-off deal is done, they can forget about doing business with you ever again!
"For those users we can't sell directly, we'll support the Typhoon fighter jet, or even Lockheed Martin. We can provide parts at cost price to drive down the price of their fighter jets, making them far more cost-effective than your Rafale! If that's not enough, we'd rather lose money or even provide parts for free. We refuse to believe we can't beat you Frenchmen."

"No, no, you can't do that! This is vicious competition, malicious competition!"

Olivier broke down and roared.

"As long as the fighter jets you produce don't appear in that region, then you don't need to worry about this," Qin Liang said. "We have an old saying in the East, 'Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you.' If you don't want to be harassed like this, then don't cross our bottom line."

Qin Liang stood up: "Mr. Olivier, please go back and convey my words to your father and others. I don't care who provided it, as long as your Dassault-manufactured fighter jets appear in that region, they will face our retaliation, regardless of cost or consequences. I am confident that I can make sure that your Dassault-manufactured fighter jets will not be able to sell a single one!"

Dassault's products are always very expensive. If they can't be sold and are only used by the French Air Force, the cost will be sky-high. As a result, the French Air Force can't afford to equip itself with them and has to purchase fighter jets from abroad.

As a result... Dassault was completely ruined.

The Dassault family certainly didn't have to worry about declining; they had businesses in various sectors, they still owned wineries, and they could continue to enjoy life. However, the aviation industry that old Dassault had built was completely destroyed!
Olivier left with his fists clenched.

They have never faced such a threat since the end of World War II!

Therefore, he felt extremely humiliated, but... reason told him that falling out with the Easterners would not do them any good!
They were also hoping to get computer equipment from the East!

Without advanced computers, it is impossible to calculate the shape of an excellent combination of stealth and aerodynamic layout!

Then their gusts of wind cannot compete with typhoons!
and so……

Watching Olivier leave, Old Master Tu was somewhat worried: "President Qin, if we push them like this, will we break ties with Dassault and become complete adversaries?"

Has Dassault Systèmes turned to the dark side?

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Old Tu, whoever controls the discourse of the industrial chain is the boss! Although the French boast about their independent defense, the parts for the Rafale fighter jet are not something that the French can produce 100% of. If we issue an order in the industry to refuse cooperation, then some of their parts will face problems!"

Old Tu was taken aback: "They can still be controlled by us?"

Qin Liang smiled and said, "Of course. Putting aside everything else, just take the whole aircraft as an example. You probably don't know that the French purchase 60% of the aluminum alloy they need to produce aircraft from the Russians, right?"

Old Master Tu was taken aback; he really didn't know that!

In this era, Russia possessed formidable industrial strength, with its industrial products not only meeting its own needs but also having surplus production capacity. Meanwhile, France, being independent of NATO, had many business opportunities with Russia.

Therefore, the French purchased large quantities from the Russians.

Aluminum alloys, a basic industrial product, are cheaper to produce in France than to be imported from Russia. Moreover, with the development of companies like Airbus, the demand for aluminum alloys is increasing, making France heavily reliant on Russian supplies.

Moreover, the Russian aluminum alloy production plant also has a 60,000-ton die forging press, and some structural components are forged directly in Russia.

We don't need to ask the Russians to sever ties with France; we just need to take all of the French imports!
Anyway, we'll be selling more fighter jets in the future, and large passenger planes will need a lot of aluminum, while the Russians will need our chips.

With this kind of interference, the French were left behind.

Not to mention that some parts are inseparable from rare earth elements. As long as we control these elements, we can prevent them from building their aircraft!

"Squeezing out the market" is a threatening statement made openly, while "cutting off the supply chain" is a covert maneuver.

"Actually, I'd rather the French refused, so we could legitimately strangle Dassault's aviation business!"

Dassault is a troublemaker!

You can restrict Dassault from supplying a certain region, but you can't restrict them from supplying India. If Dassault's aviation industry were to completely collapse, you wouldn't have this worry anymore.

Qin Liang was filled with anticipation, waiting to see how Dassault Systèmes would choose.

(End of this chapter)