Saab signs $5.4 Billion contract with Brazil For 36 Gripen Fighters

Saab has won a $5.4 billion contract for the development and production of 36 Gripen NG fighter for Brazil.

The contract was signed between Saab and the Brazilian Federal Government (Ministry of Defense through the Aeronautics Command, COMAER). Saab and COMAER also signed a contract for industrial co-operation projects, including technology transfer to Brazilian industry, to be performed over approximately ten years.

“We are proud to stand side-by-side with Brazil in this important program. There is already a long and successful history of industrial co-operation between our two countries, and this historic agreement takes that partnership to a new level”, Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of Saab’s Board of Directors said.

The contract comes as a relief for Saab after Switzerland rejected $3.5 billion order of Gripen fighters in May this year.

The order comprises of 28 single seat and eight two-seat Gripen NG aircraft for Brazil’s air force. The delivery is expected to start in 2019, the company said in a statement today.

Brazil will receive a higher amount of technology transfer as part of the purchase than initially planned.

Brazil is also negotiation to rent Gripen planes from Sweden before the NG planes are delivered. The decision might be taken by the end of this year.

Brazil also plans to sell 24 Gripen NG aircraft to Argentina that will be produced in Brazil.