MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Brazil begins talks for the purchase of 36 French built Rafale combat aircrafts

President Lula da Silva has said that the key word is “technology transfer”

President Lula da Silva announced Monday that Brazil has entered negotiations with France for the purchase of 36 combat aircrafts Rafale, from Dassault. An official release from the Planalto said that negotiations include the transfer of French technology.

The announcement was made during the visit of French president Nicholas Sarkozy, following the signing of agreements involving 12.5 billion US dollars for the purchase of four conventional submarines, one nuclear powered and 50 transport helicopters. All include the transfer of technology.

“Taking into account the amplitude of technological transfers proposed and guarantees offered by the French side, President Lula da Silva announced the decision of the Brazilian side to enter negotiations with GIA Rafale for the purchase of 36 combat aircraft”, said the official Planalto release.

However the release is not clear as to whether Brazil has opted for the Rafale as the fighter chosen for the renewal of the Brazilian Air Force. Sweden’s Saab and its Gripen and the US Boeing with the F-18 Super Hornet are also competing for the contract which initially was estimated in 2.5 to 3 billion US dollars.

President Sarkozy confirmed that France will purchase a dozen KC-390 transport aircrafts to be manufactured in Brazil and which will replace the ageing US built Hercules C-130.

“We wish to purchase Brazilian aircrafts; negotiations have begun”, revealed Sarkozy during the press conference.

As to the Rafale combat aircrafts Lula da Silva said that the beginning of negotiations does not mean Brazil has discarded the other options: the Gripen or the F-18 S Hornets. “For us the most important is access to technology and that is what we are negotiating with the French Defence ministry and the manufacturer”, said Lula da Silva following talks with Sarkozy.

Lula da Silva insisted that Brazil’s interest is having access to technology so as to develop the Brazilian aeronautical industry.

Sarkozy said France is not fearful of technology transfer to Brazil, “France is a reliable partner, efficient; sharing technology does not scare us”. He added France wishes to jointly develop the air industry in Brazil, “a great industry, manufacture planes together and sell them together”.

”The relationship between Brazil and France is not one of supplier and client, but of partners. We want to act together because we share the same values and a same vision on the big international goals”, added Sarkozy.

The French president and a delegation of eight ministers and businessmen arrived on Sunday in Brazil for the cooperation defence agreements and political talks. Sarkozy was the guest of honour at the country’s main military parade this Monday, Brazilian Independence Day.

Brazilian officials are expected to announce the winner of the bid in October.