Saab and Embraer Defense & Security have inaugurated the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN) in Brazil.

The GDDN will facilitate Gripen NG technology development for Saab and Embraer together with the Brazilian partners, including AEL Sistemas, Atech, Akaer and the Brazilian Air Force, through its research department DCTA.

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It provides environment and simulators that are required to carry out the fighter aircraft development work, Saab said in a statement.

Saab president and CEO Håkan Buskhe said: “We have a long-term commitment to Brazil.

"The launch of the GDDN is a key milestone in the Brazilian Gripen programme as it will be the basis for the technology transfer and fighter development in the country.”

Located in Gavião Peixoto, the GDDN facility will receive theoretical training, research and technology programmes and on-the-job-training from Saab in Sweden and the industrial partners in Brazil.

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More than 350 professionals, engineers, operators, technicians and pilots from Saab’s partner companies and the air force in Brazil, will go to Sweden to participate in the courses and training.

Embraer Defense & Security president and CEO Jackson Schneider said: “Embraer and Saab have a long and proven record in the development and application of innovative technologies in the aeronautical industry.

"This co-operation is key to assure the best support for the Brazilian Air Force in the coming years.”

"The launch of the GDDN is a key milestone in the Brazilian Gripen programme as it will be the basis for the technology transfer and fighter development in the country."

Delivery of 36 Gripen NG fighters to the Brazilian Air Force will begin in 2019 and continue through to 2024.

Saab will complete the deliveries in collaboration with Brazilian firms such as Embraer, AEL Sistemas, Akaer, Atech, Mectron, Inbra, and Atmos.

The Gripen Flight Test Center and the Gripen Final Assembly will also be based in the region, according to the company.

Image: The new GDDN will facilitate Gripen NG technology development. Photo: courtesy of Saab AB.

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