More Brazilian F-5 jet fighters to get upgrade from Embraer

Posted by John McHale
SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, 15 April 2011. Brazilian air force (FAB) officials awarded Embraer Defense and Security a contract to upgrade 11 additional F-5 jet fighters and to supply one more flight simulator for these fighters. The modernization program is centered on providing the aircraft with state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, new avionics, air-to-air refueling system, and greater operational capability.
These additional aircraft, recently acquired by the FAB, will receive the same configuration as those from the initial 46 F-5 jets currently completing the upgrade process. The first delivery of this second batch of upgraded jets is scheduled for 2013. The upgrade will extend the useful life of the aircraft for at least 15 more years, Embraer officials say.
The F-5E (single-seat) and F-5F (two-seat) fighters were incorporated into the Brazilian air force, starting in the 1970s.
"The continuation of the F-5 fleet modernization is clearly another good example of the confidence that FAB deposits in Embraer Defense and Security to meet their needs," says Orlando Jose Ferreira Neto, commercial vice president, Embraer Defense and Security. "The modernization of this second group of F-5 jets consolidates our strategy for providing this type of service, positioning ourselves in a market niche that is of long-term importance to the customer."