08:11 GMT, September 11, 2009 Whilst browsing through the different defence news pages today, we came across an article which announced that the deal between Brazil and the French aircraft Rafale has been confirmed. As a company with four core nations as customers, and Austria and Saudi Arabia as export partners, we know what a time for celebrating this must be for Rafale, if the stories prove correct. As the article pointed out, "The Eurofighter and several other very competitive aircraft have made export sales scarce".

Further on the article states that "The Rafale is more (in terms of performance and cost) than Brazil needs" which explains why the Eurofighter Typhoon was discounted from the competition early. The outstanding performance and capabilities of the Typhoon are not always a requirement for every Air Force.

The Air Forces of India, Japan, Switzerland and Greece among others, may have different requirements to Brazil, but this will become clear later next year when Switzerland are due to make a decision, and the Indian trial tests are finished. Interestingly, according to the German newspaper VDI, Delhi insiders tip 60/40 for the Eurofighter and the American competitor of F-18 aircrafts, to split the Indian contract of 10 billion dollars between the two parties.

Recent news states that the competition in Brazil is still ongoing. As stated by International news agencies, the Brazilian defence minister Nelson Jobim said yesterday “Negotiations in progress will be deepened, redefined and will be continued with the three participants.” This meaning that the deal is not done.