MTAG 32-96: DRDO SEEKING SUPPORT FOR MISSILE

S E C R E T PARIS 005177

SIPDIS

FOR NP/CBM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10 YEARS
TAGS: ETTC PARM PREL MNUC IN FR MTCRE
SUBJECT: MTAG 32-96: DRDO SEEKING SUPPORT FOR MISSILE
PROGRAM FROM FRANCE'S SAGEM (S): DEMARCHE DELIVERED

REF: SECSTATE 129219

Classified By: EST Counselor Robert W. Dry for Reasons 1.5 (c),
(d),(h).


1. (S) On 20 July 2005, EST officer delivered reftel
non-paper on India's Defense Research and Development
Organization (DRDO) efforts to obtain support from the French
firm SAGEM to French Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)
Point of Contact (POC) David Bertolotti. Bertolotti
appreciated receiving the points. He commented that he would
pass the information to the appropriate French operational
and technical agencies, and would provide formal response to
EST officer following completion of investigations.
Bertolotti remarked that, while not a technical expert, he
wondered whether the gyroscopes and accelerometers cited in
the non-paper could be reverse-engineered for use in India's
ballistic missile program.
STAPLETON