Alain Juppé is the new french defense Minister

Alain juppé ©Medias - P.Taris

Novenber, 14th, Alain Juppé officially replaces Hervé Morin as the french defense Minister. As far as the Rafale is concerned, we will remember that Mr. Juppé was the prime Minister of President Chirac between 1995 and 1997, a period when the entry into service of the Rafale in the french Air Force was delayed for 4 years, shifting from 2001 to 2005.
Juppé will have the delicate task to manage 2 major export prospects of the Rafale :
Brazil where the decision for 36 fighters is expected before the end of the year (and possibly as soon as november, 19th, at the end of the Cruzex 5 exercise taking place in Natal, East of Brazil)
United Arab Emirates,  where the current negotiations for 60 machines seem very difficult for the Rafale.



Wikipedia link on Alain Juppé