Snecma close to Kaveri deal

http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticleSearch.aspx?storyID=148670+20-Feb-2006+RTRS&srch=snecma

Could this mean that the MMRCA is going to go to the US and Russia seeing that the French have got the Scorpene,Airbus and now the engine deal? OR does it strengthen the case for the Rafale.

France’s Snecma Close to Win Indian Deal -Report
Mon Feb 20, 2006 8:06 AM ET

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PARIS (Reuters) – French aero engine maker Snecma (SAF.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) has won preferred-partner status to develop the Kaveri engine for the latest set of Indian fighter planes, French paper La Tribune reported on Monday.

The contract could be worth between 1 to 2 billion euros ($1.2-$2.4 billion) and the Indian government is due to make a final decision by the end of June, the report added.

It said Snecma had won preferred-bidder status over Russian rival NPO Saturn and U.S. group Pratt & Whitney (UTX.N: Quote, Profile, Research).

La Tribune reported that French President Jacques Chirac, who is currently visiting India, was due to endorse Snecma’s offer during his trip.