France to sell 24 Rafale jets to Egypt

French President Francois Hollande on Thursday confirmed earlier reports that Egypt has decided to purchase 24 Rafale fighter-bombers, the first foreign sale of the high-performance French aircraft.
“The Egyptian authorities have just made known to me today their intention to acquire 24 Rafale fighter planes and a multi-mission frigate as well as associated equipment,” Hollande said in a statement.
“The Rafale fighter plane has just won it first export contract,” the President added.
“The signature will take place in Cairo on February 16 and I have asked Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to sign in the name of France,” Hollande indicated.
The contract is valued at between USD 5-6 billion and also includes air-to-air missiles.
Hollande remarked that the Rafale and other equipment “will allow Egypt to increase its security and to play its full role in the service of regional stability.”