Sarkozy used to sell planes to Libya
By: Delphine Touitou
The Rafale warplane is one of the jewels of the arms industry French, but its commercial breakthrough was not expected. Its builders expect the evidence in the current campaign against Libya alter that scenario.
Paris - The air military intervention launched on Saturday in Libya by an international coalition offers a great opportunity to show in action at the French fighter Rafale, which Paris and the
manufacturer Dassault have tried to sell, so far without success, to several countries, including Brazil.
On Saturday, eight Rafale flew over the sky Libya to establish an air exclusion zone in compliance with a Security Council resolution, UN to protect civilians from the military offensive of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. On Sunday there were six. All
made reconnaissance missions and / or attack. Eight other equipment are on board the French nuclear carrier Charles de Gaulle, who on Sunday sailed to Libya.
Libya 'may be a way to advertise the Rafale through experience in combat " Jean Pierre Maulny outlined yesterday, deputy director of the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS).
"Although the Rafale is already involved in Afghanistan, this conflict is not popular. And so, manufacturers are hesitant to report the material 'war deployed in certain scenarios, he said.
commercial failure
Considered a success of French technology, the Rafale is, however, a commercial failure since France was never able to export. However, in early February, the CEO of Dassault Aviation, Charles Edelstenne, said that the Rafale was likely to be sold in eight countries. The Rafale is
in the running since 2009 in Brazil by a billionaire contract for the sale of 36 fighter jets for which competes with the F/A-18 Super Hornet from Boeing and the Swedish Saab Gripen NG.
As for "fact" by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in September 2009, although no document was ever signed, Brazil has announced weeks ago that postponed its decision for budgetary reasons.
Since 2008, France in talks to sell 60 aircraft to the UAE.
The Rafale, a twin-engine bomber designed in the 80's, capable of air-attack missions and air-sea ground reconnaissance or nuclear attack, which costs about 50 million euros (70 million), was also proposed to India, Kuwait, Switzerland, Greece, and even ... Libya. So far, all were unsuccessful.
Libya "will help us sell", estimated a French director who requested anonymity. Demonstration
"A conflict can truly demonstrate the ability of a device. From this point of view, Libya represents technological showcase, "said Christophe Menard, an analyst at Kepler Capital Markets. The real test "will add gallons to the honor roll of the airplane, provided you do not miss any device," he said.
"A fighter plane always sell better if it has been confirmed fit for combat, "said a source close to Dassault Aviation, before explaining that the" best example "was the Mirage 3 used by Israel during the Six Day War in June 1967. On that occasion
"demonstrated such a capability (of action) which became a worldwide bestseller," recalled the source.
In Libya the situation is different because the Rafale aircraft does not face the same level "but the mere fact that this aircraft has entered the area the same Saturday Libyan air without previous bombing of the Libyan air defenses shows the confidence this device (which can have) all those who are interested in this aircraft, "said the source.
Dassault Aviation spokesman, Stephane Fort, stressed the "versatility" of the Rafale, which distinguishes for example the Boeing F-18, U.S. President, Barack Obama, defended this weekend in Brazil , which can only be configured for a mission at a time and that before taking off, recalled.
AFP
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