The Brazilian Air Force and Embraer have signed a follow-on contract to modernise 43 AMX jet fighters in a move to improve Brazil’s defence system.

The agreement includes a structural overhaul, repair and substitution of other outdated equipment to keep the aircraft fully operational.

The contract complements a previous modernisation contract to upgrade the electronic systems of the AMX jets signed in 2003.

The maiden flight of the modernised aircraft is planned for early 2012, and the first delivery is expected by the end of that year.

The Brazilian Air Force has been operating AMX aircraft for the past 20 years.