Brazil considers purchasing 20 more Gripen fighter jets.

According to a report by Reference News on June 7, Agence France-Presse reported on June 4 that Sweden's Defense Minister announced on the 4th that Brazil, which already has 36 Gripen fighter jets, hopes to purchase an additional 20 of this model from the Swedish defense company Saab.

“In its letter of intent, Brazil expressed its willingness to go further beyond the 36 already delivered and consider purchasing another 20 Gripen fighter jets,” said Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson at a joint press conference with Brazilian Defense Minister José Múcio.

He also stated, “These fighter jets will certainly be manufactured in Brazil,” but did not disclose specific timelines or amounts. Brazil signed a contract with Saab Group in 2014 to procure 36 Gripen E/F fighter jets, with a total contract value of $4.5 billion.

At the end of March, Brazil showcased the first Gripen fighter jet manufactured in the country. The 2014 agreement included the production of 15 of this model at the factory of Embraer located in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo. The Brazilian Defense Minister stated regarding this new procurement intention, “These additional fighter jets demonstrate the well-functioning partnership between the two sides.”

In addition, Brazil and Sweden also reached an agreement on the 4th to establish a center in Brazil specifically for the development of new systems and equipment needed for the operation, maintenance, and modernization of the Gripen fighter jets. (Translated by Shu Meng)