Saab has signed a contract with the Brazilian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply weapons for the country’s Gripen Next Generation (NG) aircraft.
The $245m contract was signed through the MoD’s Aeronautics Command (COMAER). It requires the company and its suppliers to deliver weapons that have been selected by the customer.
Effectiveness of the contract is subject to fulfilment of certain conditions, including necessary export control-related authorisations, which are expected to be addressed during the second half of this year.
The weapon acquisition contract supplements the existing SEK39.3bn ($5.4bn) agreeement with Brazil announced in October 2014, for production and delivery of 36 Gripen NG fighters, including 28 single-seat and eight two-seat jets, as well as related systems and equipment to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
Deliveries are scheduled to be made in relation to the handover of the Gripen NG aircraft to the air force as part of the country’s F-X2 next-generation fighter aircraft project.
Saab has withheld the type of weapons to be supplied and the name of suppliers involved in the project.
Gripen NG shares the same smart design and innovative technology as the combat proven JAS 39 Gripen, and is scheduled to initially replace FAB’s Mirage 2000C fighters, followed by the F-5EM and A-1M aircraft.
The aircraft offers more thrust, extended range and endurance, and is fitted with new sensors, including an active electronically scanned array radar, highly effective electronic warfare systems, and multi-function communications.
The aircraft has also been ordered by the Swedish Air Force. It is expected to address the market’s demand for a sophisticated and flexible combat aircraft with sustainable costs.
