Brasília, October 6, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The five companies that are participating in the bidding process for the sale of 12 supersonic fighter planes to the Brazilian Air Force have until October 10 to present their proposals to the Ministry of Defense.

The planes will substitute Mirages that will no longer be able to fly after 2004. The deal is estimated to be worth US$ 700 million. The process was interrupted at the beginning of this year, on the grounds that the fight against hunger was of greater priority. Since the purchase of the aircraft depends upon long-term financing, the government decided to reinitiate the program. The companies that are participating in the competition will declare whether they are sticking to the proposals they presented last year or wish to introduce any modification. The fighters will be used to defend Brazil's air space.

The result of the competition should only be made public next year. (DAS)