07:06 GMT, September 8, 2009 PARIS | Brazil is negotiating the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, French media reported on Monday according to RIA Novosti, citing a joint statement by the two countries' presidents.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is on a state visit to Brazil dominated by discussions on aircraft supplies.

"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," the statement said.

The aircraft is produced by Dassault. French media estimated the contract with Dassault Aviation as worth at least 5 billion euros ($7.1 billion).

Sarkozy said France planned 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.


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