UPGRADING MIRAGES In the lead-up to Sarkozy's visit, French firm Dassault Aviation was hoping to pick up a $1.2-billion contract to revamp 56 Mirage-2000 aircraft that France sold India nearly two decades ago. But the pricing of the upgrade has been a major stumbling block, leading Indian officials to play down the chances of a deal before Sarkozy landed in India. According to Indian news reports, the pricing package offered by French companies Dassault Aviation (aircraft manufacturer), Thales (weapons systems integrator) and MBDA (missile supplier) was around 30% higher than what New Delhi was initially ready to pay. In the end, India and France agreed to a €1.6 billion deal to upgrade the Mirage-2000 combat jets, said Sarkozy during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi. But protracted negotiations are expected before the pact is signed.