The French fighter aeroplane built by Dassault entered into service with the French air force 10 years ago, but not a single example has been sold abroad until now. Each plane built so far has been bought at home, effectively meaning that the company is being supported 100% by the French taxpayer. It seems that the air force has an almost open ended commitment to take the Rafales, so it is with relief that it was announced yesterday that Egypt has agreed to buy 24 examples. With the planes come agreements on maintenance, weapons, software updates, pilot training and all the panoply of services needed to keep the planes airborne - and lots of jobs in France for years to come.
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