Following the announcement that the Dassault Rafale had emerged as the lowest bidder in the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender for the Indian Air Force, it appears that Brazil could select this aircraft against the F-18 Super Hornet and Sweden’s Saab Gripen.
The possible deal is believed to be for 36 aircraft valued at $4 billion excluding life cycle costs. President Dilma Rousseff regards the deal as a, “watershed decision that will help mould Brazil’s military and strategic alliances for the next few decades.” Brazil is undoubtedly emerging as a global economic power. The deal, if finally concluded, would be a shot in the arm for the French aerospace major Dassault whose survival was uncertain just a few months ago.
There were concerns about the Rafale as the company had not sold any Rafale outside France. The two deals, if successful, would enhance France’s partnerships with Brazil and India, two of the largest emerging economic powers in the world. Dassault could also, in the near future, sign a deal that had appeared to be slipping for the sale of 60 Rafale fighter jets to the United Arab Emirates.
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