Brazil is in discussions about the possibility of extending its initial order of Saab Gripen E fighter jets from 36 to 40. The Defense Minister, Jose Mucio, confirmed that the Brazilian Air Force has expressed the need for additional aircraft and they are currently studying the matter. The 2014 agreement between Brazil and Saab, the Swedish manufacturer, aimed to modernize Brazil’s Air Force with an order for 36 fighters. The agreement also included the potential for future production of the aircraft locally.
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Palácio do Planalto from Brasilia, Brasil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Delivery of the jets have already begun with the first aircraft already delivered to Brazil. Negotiations are underway for the potential expansion of the order. According to an anonymous source, the negotiations could involve forgoing some equipment and ammunition in exchange for credit toward the purchase of four additional aircraft. The exact number of additional aircraft to be purchased has not yet been determined.
The potential demand for more Gripen fighter jets is significant enough that Brazil may place a second order for around 30 additional aircraft. However, the delivery of this second batch would be spread out over 15 years. The source claims that the need for more fighter jets is crucial to cover Brazil’s large continental country, with 36 or 40 aircraft being sufficient for just one base.
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