Brazil plans to purchase 20 more Saab Gripen E/F fighter jets from Saab, increasing its planned fleet beyond the 36 aircraft already contracted. Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said the two countries have signed a declaration of intent covering the prospective acquisition, with production of the additional jets expected to take place in Brazil.
The move builds on Brazil’s 2014 agreement to acquire 36 Gripens in a deal worth $4.5 billion. Earlier this year, Brazil rolled out the first locally built aircraft under the program, which includes the production of 15 jets at Embraer’s São Paulo state facility. Alongside the expansion plans, Brazil and Sweden have agreed to create a dedicated center for the development of systems, equipment, maintenance, and modernization solutions for the Gripen platform in Brazil.
