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Rafale fighters for Egypt

Dassault Aviation says Egypt has decided to buy two dozen of its multi-role Rafale fighter aircraft.

By Richard Tomkins
The Rafale fighter from Dassault Aviation. Photo by Dassault.
The Rafale fighter from Dassault Aviation. Photo by Dassault.

ST-CLOUD, France, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Egypt as decided to buy two dozen Rafale jet fighters from Dassault Aviation, with deliveries beginning this year.

The deal, worth as much as $4.5 billion, is expected to be signed on Feb. 16.

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"I would like to thank the highest Egyptian authorities for this strategic and historic partnership," Eric Trappier, president and chief executive officer of Dassault Aviation said. "Dassault Aviation will be equal to the faith that they have placed in us yet again.

"I would also like to thank the French authorities, which were behind the Rafale program, and have provided the political support, without which we cannot make any military exports."

The Rafale is a twin-engine fighter for a variety of air-air, air-ground, and air-sea missions. It is flown by the French Air Force and Navy and is being eyed by India.

Dassault Aviation notes that it has a solid history of doing business with Egypt and in the past has supplied the country with Mirage 5 aircraft, the Alpha Jet and the Mirage 2000 fighters.

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