Egypt will become the first export customer for the French Dassault Rafale fighter jet if the ongoing talks is successful.
Egypt is in advanced stage of discussion with France for the purchase of 24 Rafale jets and a Fremm frigate.
French daily Les Echos, estimated the deal to cost around USD 7 billion.
The cash strapped Eygpt is negotiating a loan from the French export credit bank, COFACE to pay for the deal.
The Egypt wants the deal finalised quickly and induct the aircraft by August to parade them for the inauguration of the Suez Canal expansion.
French Air Force has reportedly agreed to supply a squadron of its Rafales to meet the schedule.
Dassault is also in final stages of talks with India, to supply 126 Rafale fighters, the deal is hit by differences in workshare agreement for license production and transfer of critical engine and AESA radar technologies.
Dassault was announced the lowest bidder in the Indian deal in 2012, since then the talks have been ongoing and is expected to be finalised by this year.
Egypt already has a history of operating French fighters, and was the first export customer for 20 Dassault Mirage 2000s in 1981.
The backbone of Egyptian Air Force are a fleet of over 200 F-16 Fighting Falcons.
French Air Force and Navy has placed a total 180 orders. Dassault has delivered about 140 fighters till now.
