Brazil to buy French fighter jets

PARIS - Brazil is planning to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, officials said Monday.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is currently in Brazil to negotiate the aircraft deal.

“Considering the volume of the proposed transfer of technology and guarantees provided by the French, President (Luiz Inacio) Lula da Silva has announced a decision to start talks on the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets,” a joint statement issued by the two presidents said.

French media estimated the contract with Dassault Aviation worth at least five billion euros ($7.1 billion). Sarkozy said France plans to buy about a dozen KC-390 military transport planes made by Brazil’s Embraer.

Brazil is to make a final decision before the end of this year. If the deal is approved, this will be the first time Rafale jets have been sold outside France.

–RIA Novosti