France and Egypt were poised on Monday to sign a multi-billion-euro deal for the first foreign sale of the Rafale fighter jet despite human rights concerns.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was due to travel to Cairo on Monday to sign the 5.2 billion euro ($5.9 billion) deal for 24 Rafale fighters that France hopes will prompt others to snap up its premier combat jet.

It comes as welcome news to cash-strapped France, which is even diverting three jets away from its own air force for the delivery due later this year.