Originally Posted by Vilters
Rafale? Also older generation, no customes and construction line close to closing. So we can be sure the frensh put the Rafale in "Promotion".
Buy one and get one for free.
(Plus a VIP visit to the Moulins Rouge".)
I wouldn't agree with that bit of your analysis, which is mostly spot on. The Rafale production line is alive and kicking and is still ready to ramp-up output for new orders. As things stand it has enough orders to keep it going for a few years yet; I don't think they'll have a problem extending it further to meet additional demand.
When you say it's older generation, it's still a relatively new, current and relevant aircraft. There is some capacity for growth, but as it is it's still the active generation. We've a long way to go until F-35 reaches maturity, no?
Typhoon deserves the same status, but as you say, the consortium thing will always come back to haunt it when it comes to new sales. That's not to say that it should be a worthy contender.