Brazil’s much anticipated FX-2 decision for 36 new aircraft to replace its ageing Mirage fighters is still to be announced despite reports late last year that France’s bid with the Dassault Rafale had been successful.
Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told media shortly before Christmas that “we should make the decision at the start of 2010,” although some commentators have predicted a contract is unlikely to be signed before 2011.
The Rafale is competing against the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Saab Gripen NG to replace the Mirages under the FX-2 program, which may be followed by a future follow-on order. There have even been suggestions that the successful bidder could also be selected to replace the Brazilian Navy’s carrier borne A-4 Skyhawks.
