Saab and Embraer have signed a heads of agreement to expand Gripen fighter production in Brazil, a move that could support a planned follow-on order of 20 additional aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force.
The agreement, announced on Tuesday at the Farnborough International Airshow, establishes a framework for Embraer to assemble the additional Gripens at its Gavião Peixoto facility in São Paulo state. The aircraft would complement production at Saab’s final assembly line in Linköping, Sweden. The companies said they intend to sign a definitive agreement later this year.
The announcement follows Brazil’s decision, disclosed in June, to acquire up to 20 more Gripen E fighters. No contract has been signed and the Brazilian government has yet to announce a delivery schedule.
If approved, the follow-on order would increase Brazil’s Gripen commitment from 36 to 56 fighters, a 56% expansion over the original contract signed in 2014. Under the current agreement, 15 of the 36 aircraft are scheduled for final assembly in Brazil at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility.
“The partnership between Saab and Embraer reinforces our long-term commitment to Latin America,” Saab CEO Micael Johansson said.
The additional assembly capacity also comes as Saab seeks to increase Gripen production to meet rising demand. Colombia recently ordered 15 Gripen E fighters, Thailand selected the Gripen E/F for its next fighter acquisition, and Ukraine has chosen the aircraft as the basis for a future fleet renewal program.
The Brazilian Air Force has received 11 Gripens so far. The remaining aircraft, including the first two-seat Gripen F developed for Brazil, are still in production under the original contract signed with Saab in 2014.
