The Saab group has signed today a contract with the Brazilian Federal Government covering the development and production of 36 Gripen NG fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force. The total order value is approximately $5.4 billion (SEK 39.3 billion). The programme comprises 28 single-seat and eight two-seat Gripen NG to be developed with with the local industry and built in Brazil. The Brazilian order reiterates the Swedish company position after it lost a deal with Switzerland.
The contract signed between the Swedish company and Brazilian air force’ Aeronautics Command (COMAER) also covers Industrial cooperation activities delivering substantial technology transfer to the Brazilian industry. Embraer will have a leading role as the strategic partner in the F-X2 programme.
The contract follows the formal selection of the Swedish fighter as the future fighter aircraft (F-X2) for the Brazilian Air Force in December 2013. In the past 10 months the two sides have negotiated the terms and agreement of the program. The contract signing marks the successful conclusion these negotiations. Gripen NG deliveries to the Brazilian Air Force will commence over five years, from 2019 to 2024.Brazil joins Sweden in becoming the launch customer for the next-generation Gripen E/NG, which shares many common design features of today’s Gripen versions. The next-generation Gripen will provide more thrust, extended range and endurance, expanded weapons capacity, and integrate new sensors including, an advanced AESA radar made by Selex, as well as advanced electronic warfare systems and multi-function communications.
According to Saab, the Gripen NG for Brazil and Gripen E for Sweden share all the attributes of the next-generation Gripen design, but are also tailored to each country’s specific national requirements. The commitments by Sweden and Brazil secure Gripen’s industrial and operational future into the 2050 timeframe.
