Francois Hollande confirmed by a statement, the purchase of 24 Rafale by Egypt, as well as a “multi-mission frigate” in a statement released by the Elysee. “The Egyptian authorities have just let me know their intention to acquire 24 Rafale combat aircraft and multi-mission frigate and associated equipment,” announced the head of state. “This equipment will allow Egypt to increase its security and to play its role in the service of regional stability,” according to Francois Hollande. “The Rafale fighter wins first contract export, “he commends. “The signing will take place on (Monday) 16 February in Cairo. I asked the defense minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, to sign on behalf of France,” the President of the Republic. “The State is fully committed to this negotiation and its involvement has enabled the findings of this contract,” said Francois Hollande. So far, the fighter, the spearhead of French defense tool and sovereignty of the country, has never been sold abroad, despite his interventions on multiple theaters (Afghanistan, Libya, Mali and Iraq). Launched in 1988, the Rafale program has resulted in the flight of the first prototype in 1991 and the first aircraft Rafale multirole fighter for the Air Force came out of the factories in 1998. The Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will travel on Monday in Cairo to sign the contract. He said Sunday that talks between France and Egypt were “well advanced” but “not concluded”. “I take great care (…) I hope it will be done,” he added. The day before, the CEO of Dassault Aviation, Eric Trappier, said Le Figaro that the manufacturer was poised to “succeed the first Rafale export contract.”
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