PARIS, March 8 (Reuters) - Dassault Aviation AVMD.PA forecast a rise in net sales for 2017 compared to 2016, even though its annual profit fell on the back of a drop in orders and contracts last year.
The family-controlled maker of business jets and Rafale fighter jets, whose rivals include Gulfstream GD.N , Bombardier BBDb.TO and Embraer EMBR3.SA , said on Wednesday that 2016 adjusted net profit fell 20 percent from a year ago to 384 million euros ($406 million).
However, Dassault Aviation was more upbeat for 2017, saying that Rafale exports would boost sales, with the company forecasting the delivery of 45 Falcon jets and 9 Rafale fighter jets for 2017. ($1 = 0.9464 euros)