Chapter 474

Chapter 474: Provocation

At the Paris-Le Bourget International Aerospace Exhibition, after the organizers delivered their opening speeches and announced the complete schedule for the exhibition, twelve Dassault “Rafale” fighter jets flew overhead in three formations, roaring past the podium in a triangular attack array, accompanied by a thunderous sound that declared the official opening of the aerospace exhibition.

In 1984, Germany, the UK, France, Italy, and Spain reached an agreement and proposed the "European Fighter Aircraft" (EFA) program. France withdrew midway to focus on its own “Mirage” fighter jet upgrade, giving birth to the “Rafale” prototype by the end of 1985. The naming convention replaced model numbers with names, such as Mirage, Flag, etc. The final models included the Air Force version (C-type), the twin-seat tactical fighter (B-type), the naval version (M-type), and the naval twin-seat version (N-type).

As the host, France enjoyed inherent promotional advantages. Once the exhibition officially began, the “Patrouille de France” flying display team operated the Rafale jets to assert their presence in the sky.

The “Patrouille de France” is one of the most famous and also the oldest acrobatic flight teams in the world. Their performances showcase the inherent elegance of French culture, focusing more on beauty akin to ballet and the agility and finesse of French fencing rather than sheer power.

The twelve Rafales split into two groups, trailing colorful smoke in the sky. After passing the podium, they swiftly executed the Immelmann maneuver, soaring at a 90-degree angle directly toward the blue sky, reaching an altitude of two kilometers and spreading out, creating two delicate seven-colored flowers in the sky.

The synchronized vertical ascent and perfect parachute-style disbandment display may lack significant tactical value but provided the spectators on the ground with a delightful visual treat.

The “Patrouille de France” has become an indispensable ceremonial team for major events in France. They can be seen performing over the skies of Paris on July 14th, France’s National Day, during the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, the French Open Tennis Tournament, and the Formula One racing circuit.

Like China’s August 1st Air Demonstration Team, the pilots involved in team flying exhibitions excel in formation maneuvers and precise operations. While perhaps not as tactically skilled as combat pilots, their control of fighter jets is on par with any ace pilot.

The biennial Paris-Le Bourget International Aerospace Exhibition has officially begun amidst the roar of fighter jets. The opening ceremony not only attracts dignitaries and military personnel from all over the world but serves as a public collision of various countries’ aerospace capabilities and an ignition point for both global aerial equipment competition and profit.

Simultaneously, numerous visitors and aerospace enthusiasts bring tangible income to the organizers through ticket sales as well as advertising revenues. The advertising investments from aerospace manufacturers surpass those of commercial enterprises in sporting events.

The massive venue centered around the entire airport translates to countless advertising opportunities and profits, turning a freight airport into a treasure trove where even a single advertisement can generate income.

Taking advantage of their local advantage, the “Patrouille de France” showcases elegant acrobatic flights, enhancing the exhibition’s impact and popularity. Even those unfamiliar can discern the subtle promotion of Dassault’s Rafale fighter through myriad cameras and lenses capturing the spectacle.

Those in the know can observe the 60-degree serrated design on the Rafale, imitating the similar design angle used by the F-22 “Raptor” and F-35 “Lightning II” for significant stealth effects.

Following the ten-minute captivating performance of the “Patrouille de France,” the largest aerospace and defense company in Europe and the second-largest aerospace and defense company in the world, the Eurofighter Typhoon pilot display team of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), takes the stage.

Developed jointly by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the EF2000 Typhoon was completed for test flights in 1994 and began to be delivered to the four countries’ air forces. It became evident that the military aviation technology pool of the US, Russia, and middle powers was deepening. If they did not rise up to catch up, they risked being relegated to customers for combat aircraft.

The collaboration among the four countries meant not just sharing technology and resources but also a stake in the international aerospace sector.

After all, the arms trade is traditionally extremely profitable, and more advanced manufacturers would not miss the business opportunities in aerospace technology.

Subsequently, various countries’ flying display teams take to the skies, not only to catch attention and entertain the public but also to showcase their technical prowess to important military and political clients.

There is a method to this order of appearance, where those who perform first or last can leave a deeper impression on the audience. Thus, besides France’s flying display team securing the coveted first spot, the subsequent ranks became competitive among exhibitors, determined by the amounts of sponsorship fees they offered.

If someone wanted to save money, it could still be done, albeit with a lack of exposure; the French, known for their romance, are equally focused on money over people.

“It’s about to start!”

Townsend Williams, the supervisor responsible for Lockheed Martin’s participation, smirked while standing in the cluttered area behind their exhibit.

His gaze focused on the empty runway, where a fully-prepared F-22 was taxiing, beginning its pre-takeoff sprint. The ailerons flipped in low-speed adjustments like a swordsman warming up before a duel.

Just yesterday morning, he had instructed a pilot from Japan’s “Blue Impulse” flying display team to provoke that newcomer from China, National Defense Star Aerospace Company, which they referred to as “National Defense Star.”

Lockheed had always relished in suppressing small manufacturers, especially seeing advanced fighter jets like the J-11 and J-14 being showcased, which posed a future threat to Lockheed Martin and could grow into competition for National Defense Star Aerospace Company (NDS).

Townsend Williams was more than willing to engage in such underhanded tactics, as any threatening rivals should be nipped in the bud, especially with the newly unveiled J-14, which, although unlikely to be sold externally, already registered as a clear threat in American eyes.

Great powers maintain their statuses through hegemony; respect among nations has never been built solely on words.

The Japanese spent enormous sums, grudgingly accepting American terms. Having recently received a modified version of the F-22 “Raptor,” they couldn’t wait to showcase it.

To others, it was like holding a lollipop covered in filth.

For the Japanese, it represented another armed force to establish dominance in East Asia.

As the manufacturer of the F-22 “Raptor,” Lockheed Martin needed only a hint, and the Japanese would eagerly ingratiate themselves.

Their interest stems from the fact that they are eagerly eyeing any scraps Lockheed Martin might let slip, having spent much to secure the F-22 “Raptor.”

As expected, that little Chinese aerospace company was provoked and accepted the challenge.

Townsend Williams forged an alliance with Boeing’s Robert Keith and others, subtly pushing the organizers to include a flying display challenge between Japan’s F-22 and China’s J-14.

If this were not merely an aerospace exhibition, both sides could even have operated loaded munitions.

Having employed such tactics before, many small manufacturers fell for them, ultimately humiliated and unable to return to such large exhibitions, let alone secure enough orders to sustain their businesses. With one less competitor, they could indulge more in the unprecedented vast profits without sharing. Some exhibitors who belonged to the competitive ranks sided with Lockheed Martin.

As for National Defense Star, they could go to hell.

Townsend Williams had also previously instigated provocations between China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, but after a couple of incidents, they ceased responding to such taunts.

Unless it was a case of exploiting their own tactics, such as during the International Pilots’ Fight to the Death, a true battleground where wealthy individuals sought thrills—shadows of aerospace manufacturers often appeared here to gather necessary technological intelligence.

Yesterday afternoon, the area designated for the flying displays at Bourget Airport was cleared by the French military, ensuring that the audience would not be in danger should something unexpected occur.

As the F-22 “Raptor” took the stage, it immediately consumed countless digital storage spaces. The first day of the opening ceremony was open to the public, allowing ordinary citizens to attend. After today, they would have to wait until the fourth day to witness those aircraft up close.