Saab Gripen NG program, technology transfer takes off in Brazil

BRASILIA, 11 Sept. 2015. The Gripen NG program in Brazil has officially launched. The Brazilian Federal Government’s contract for 36 Gripen NG military aircraft from Saab AB in Sweden has come into effect now that all required conditions have been fulfilled, officials explain.

“We will now work full speed ahead to ensure timely deliveries of Gripen NG to Brazil. Our partnership with Brazilian industry strengthens Saab’s position in Latin America and supports our strategy for growth through industrial co-operation,” says Saab President and CEO Håkan Buskhe.

Saab will deliver Gripen NG aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force from 2019 to 2024 under the contract, valued at roughly 39.3 billion SEK (Swedish Krona) – equivalent to $4.77 billion U.S. dollars.

“The acquisition of Gripen NG will provide benefits beyond the enlargement of the Brazilian Air Force’s operational capacity. In addition to equipping FAB with one of the world's most modern fighters, the participation in the development of Gripen NG means a technological breakthrough for Brazilian industry,” says Lieutenant-Brigadier Nivaldo Luiz Rossato, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force.

The associated industrial co-operation contract, which includes technology transfer to Brazilian industries, comes into effect simultaneously. The technology transfer program will contribute to the development of an independent, advanced defense industrial base in Brazil, officials say. Brazilian engineers and technicians will come to Saab for education and on-the job-training in Sweden starting October 2015.

“Through the Gripen NG program, we continue to build on the industrial relations between Brazil and Sweden. I am confident that this important program will serve as a platform for new business and contribute to the growth of both the Brazilian and Swedish industry,” says Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of Saab’s Board of Directors.

Saab’s Gripen multirole combat aircraft is capable of undertaking a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, including specialist roles such as intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) and electronic warfare (EW).

Gripen is equipped with modern sensors and mission systems, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and infra-red search and track (IRST) system. It can be armed with any air-launched weapon that a customer requires, and integration of new capabilities is speedy and affordable. Gripen is easily deployable, with a low maintenance and support footprint coupled with high reliability, according to Saab officials.

Saab serves the global market with products, services, and solutions within military defense and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts, and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.