Brazil could buy another 20 Gripen jets, Sweden says
Brazil's Interest in Additional Gripen Fighter Jets
STOCKHOLM, June 4 (Reuters) - Brazil has expressed interest in purchasing 20 additional Gripen model E and F fighter jets from Sweden's Saab, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said on Thursday.
Manufacturing and Production Collaboration
The aircraft would be manufactured in Brazil, Jonson told a joint press conference in Stockholm with his Brazilian counterpart, Defence Minister Jose Mucio.
Background of the Original Gripen Deal
Brazil in 2014 agreed to buy 36 Gripen fighter jets, and in 2023 Brazil's Embraer SA and Saab launched a production line in Brazil for the aircraft, with the South American country saying it may place more orders.
Delivery Timeline of the Initial Order
The first jets of the original deal have already been delivered and the remainder are expected to be handed over by 2027.
Strengthening Defence Cooperation
On Thursday, Jonson and Mucio signed a declaration of intent to deepen the defence cooperation between the two countries, the Swedish minister told reporters.
"Brazil expresses an interest in going beyond the 36 Gripen... and purchasing an additional 20 Gripens," Jonson added.
Research and Development Initiatives
Saab would also set up a research and development unit in Brazil as part of the deeper collaboration, he added.
Showcase of Gripen F Jet
During Mucio's visit to Sweden, Saab showcased its first Gripen F, a two-seat version of the jet developed for Brazil.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Johan Ahlander and Anna Ringstrom; Editing by Terje Solsvik and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)
