The Eurofighter consortium, which includes Lancashire defence giant BAE Systems, has missed out on a multi-billion-pound deal to sell the fighter jets to Libya, according to reports.
A Paris-based newspaper quoted a government source in Libya saying it has chosen to order 13-18 Rafale jets from French manufacturer Dassault.
Libya is said to have chosen the Rafale to replace its ageing MiG fighters ahead of competing offers from China and Russia as well as Eurofighter.
The deal, expected to be worth £1.62 billion, would provide the first foreign buyer for the aircraft.
- BAE is reported to be in talks with US-based investment firm Carlyle as it bids to take control of the UK nuclear submarine industry and grab a piece of the £25 billion workload.
- The move would see the pair launch a joint bid to buy the Devonport yard in Plymouth and bring it alongside its existing sub-building facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
