Brazil : FX-2 is delayed again

Lula (left) leaves the FX-2 choice to Dilma Rousseff (right)

Despite his promise last month,  to announce the winner of the FX-2 contest before the end of his mandate on December,31st, Lula has finally decided not to decide.
Indeed, he has officially announced yesterday on the Brazilian TV, and confirmed again today, that he let the final decision to his successor, Dilma Rousseff.

It is not known yet if the new president will make her choice rapidly on one of the 3 fighter jets or if she will postpone the project or even cancel it.
Nonetheless, it is worth noting that Nelson Jobim, will remain at the Ministry of Defense, hence, as the FX-2, initiator, he might push for a quick decision.

In case of a cancellation of FX-2, Brazil could decide to buy more second hand Mirage 2000 from the French, Qatari and/or UAE Air forces. Last october, Jobim went to the UAE and it is possible that Rafale/mirage 2000-9 business had been discussed then...

In France, Reuters reports that authorities are still confident concerning the Rafale, what might be a good clue that FX-2 is not dead yet.
It is also important to remember that FX-2 goes far beyond the acquisition of 36 jets : The main purpose of the  project is to shape the future of the Brasilian military and civilian aerospace industry through a wide transfer of technology. Therefore, it is strategical for Brazil.