Gripen Aircraft Chosen For $4.5 Billion Brazilian Deal

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has selected Saab's Gripen-NG aircraft for its new multimission fighters contract worth $4.5 billion.

The winning bid covers the supply of 36 aircraft and disbursement schedule will last until 2023.

The first aircraft is expected to arrive around 48 months after the signature of the financing agreement, which must occur in December 2014.

Saab has won over the two participants -- the French Rafale (Dassault) and the North American F-18 (Boeing).

According to Defense Minister Celso Amorim, the victory of the Swedish fighter in the F-X2 program is mainly due to technical reasons, "The choice was the object of much study and careful consideration, and took into account performance, effective technology transfer and acquisition costs as well as operating costs. The final choice was based on these three factors".

Also weighed in the selection, according to Brigadier Juniti Saito, criteria concerning the commercial counterparts (offsets) offered by Saab, in accordance with the provisions of the National Defense Strategy (SND). "We have several industries that have offered to contribute to the development of the aircraft. At the end of development, we will have access to all the technology of the aircraft," said the commander of the FAB.

In the Brazilian Air Force’s evaluation, the Gripen-NG was distinguished by cutting edge technology with advanced system of sensors and data fusion, characteristics that give the pilot a complete and accurate picture of the combat scenario.

The new multi-mission aircraft was designed for air superiority, air defense, aerial reconnaissance, air-to-ground and anti-ship engagements.