Saab submits bid for 36 Gripen fighters to Brazil

STOCKHOLM—Saab AB presented a formal bid to supply 36 Gripen fighter planes to the Brazilian Air Force. Bengt Janer, Gripen campaign director said “The Gripen NG offer is fully compliant and will be a complete solution for Brazil". The Gripen is competing with the Boeing-built F-18 Super Hornet and the Dassault Aviation's Rafale for the contract to replace Brazil's Mirage fighters. Brazil is expected to make a final decision later this year. Saab did not reveal any financial details of the bid for 36 Gripen Next Generation fighters, an updated version of the plane with a stronger engine, new radar, higher fuel capacity and bigger payload. Gripen is in service with the Swedish, Czech, Hungarian and South African Air Forces. The Royal Thai Air Force has also ordered the plane. Brazil is seeking to link its purchases of fighter jets and other defense upgrades to broader partnerships that will help the country develop its own state-of-the-art weapons industry. Saab said its offer included an unbeatable industrial co-operation package, with lasting consequences for the national defense industry.