Is the offer of the French Defense Minister enough to win the fighter tender?

If Poland opts for the French Mirage 2000-5 Mk2 produced by Dassault Aviation in the multi-task fighter tender, then the French government will grant Poland a loan to purchase the planes. The offer was the main item on the agenda of a meeting between the French and Polish Defense Ministers. "This will not be the same offer [put forward by the U.S.], but a similar one. No precise amount was discussed," said an anonymous official from the French embassy. Recently Dassault Aviation has promised to guarantee up to 85% of the costs. France appears to be following the example set by the American government which has amendment its budget by $3.8 billion to help ease the burden for Poland to acquire the competing U.S. F-16. "We cannot comment on the offer at this stage," said MON spokesman Eugeniusz Mleczak. Final offers must be presented by November 12 and then the Polish government will have 45 days to make its decision. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 21; Rzeczpospolita, p. A4) M.M.