Embraer Rules Out Fighter Jet Development, Backs Saab Partnership in Brazil
By Gabriel Araujo
Embraer's Strategic Direction and Partnership with Saab
SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, June 10 (Reuters) - Brazilian planemaker Embraer has no plans to develop a fighter jet, CEO Francisco Gomes Neto told reporters on Wednesday, adding the company was satisfied with its partnership with Sweden's Saab in the segment.
Key Developments in the Embraer-Saab Collaboration
- Embraer and Saab unveiled in March the first Gripen assembled at Embraer's Gaviao Peixoto plant as part of a contract with Brazil.
- Gomes Neto said the plant could support production for new sales Saab eventually makes in South America and "maybe even in other countries, if they need additional capacity."
- Brazil has expressed interest in purchasing 20 additional Gripen jets, according to Sweden.
Embraer's Focus on Alternative Military Aircraft
- Embraer focused on products such as military cargo jet C-390 Millennium and light attack aircraft Super Tucano.
Industry Context and Future Partnerships
- Gomes Neto spoke after the collapse of a flagship Franco-German fighter jet project.
- Fellow planemaker Airbus is increasingly looking to Saab as a preferred future partner, Reuters reported, citing sources.
(Reporting by Gabriel Araujo)
