Brazil requests spare tire fighter jets, and Sweden may receive more.
While the first Gripen aircraft have not yet been delivered, under the agreement to purchase 36 units for US$4,5 million, Swedish company Saab may loan some units to the Brazilian Air Force; the Ministry of Defense foresees the future purchase of 100 more aircraft; the company will have preference in the new contract.
247 - While awaiting the first fighter jets manufactured by the Swedish company SAAB under the fleet renewal contract, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is negotiating the loan of 6 to 12 Gripen aircraft. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered only from the end of 2018 onwards.
The government confirmed on the 18th the purchase of 36 Gripen NG aircraft for US$4,5 billion. The announcement about the acquisition, resulting from the FX Project competition, was made by the Minister of Defense, Celso Amorim: "Soon we will have aircraft that meet the country's needs," he said, adding that the choice took into account performance, effective technology transfer, and cost; the Air Force says today is a "historic day."
The reinforcement of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) fleet should not be limited to 36 fighter jets. The ministry's plan foresees the acquisition of 100 more aircraft. Saab will be the preferred choice. Of the FAB's 624 aircraft, 346 are currently grounded for maintenance.