Was Rafale on the agenda?
Neelam Mathews Feb 6, 2012 Defense Minister AK Antony held talks with his Brazilian counterpart Celso Amorim in Delhi today. While both leaders held candid discussions on bilateral defense cooperation and regional security issues, Aerospace Diary wonders if India’s decision to declare Rafale as the lowest bidder for the MMRCA was on the agenda. The Rafale is on the shortlist of the Brazilian Air Force combat aircraft fighter requirement. It has been said Brazil was looking at India’s decision before it made its own to buy 36 combat aircraft. Transfer of military technology is a key factor for Brazil as it considers Boeing's F-18 Super Hornet, the Rafale of France's Dassault, and the Gripen NG of Saab, Sweden. Earlier, there were reports that Brazil may be viewing the Typhoon and Lightning II as the fourth and fifth contenders in the race. Amorim, on a visit to India from February 4-8, was accorded a tri-Services Guard of Honor. Senior officials of the Brazilian Ministr...