GRIPEN NG – SAAB and BRAZIL sign contract

On 18 December 2013 Brazil selected the Gripen NG to be its next-generation fighter aircraft, through the F-X2 evaluation programme. Since then all parties have negotiated to finalise a contract. Today’s announcement marks the successful conclusion of that process.

SAAB and COMAER have signed a contract for the development and production of 36 Gripen NG fighter aircraft, plus related systems and equipment. The programme comprises 28 single-seat and eight two-seat Gripen NG. The total order value is approximately SEK 39.3 billion.

SAAB and COMAER have also signed a contract for industrial co-operation projects, including technology transfer to Brazilian industry, to be performed over approximately ten years.

“We are proud to stand side-by-side with Brazil in this important programme. There is already a long and successful history of industrial co-operation between our two countries, and this historic agreement takes that partnership to a new level”, says Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of Saab’s Board of Directors.

The contract with COMAER for Gripen NG and the associated Industrial Co-operation contract will come into effect once certain conditions have been fulfilled. These include, among others, the necessary export control-related authorisations. All of these conditions are expected to be fulfilled during the first half of 2015. Gripen NG deliveries to the Brazilian Air Force will be undertaken from 2019 to 2024.

“The contract with Brazil validates Gripen as the most capable and modern fighter system on the market. It solidifies Saab’s position as a world-leading fighter aircraft producer and strengthens our platform for growth,” says Håkan Buskhe, President and CEO of SAAB.

The contract with Brazil strengthens the ties between SAAB and Brazilian industry. Embraer will have a leading role as the strategic partner in the F-X2 programme. As part of the technology transfer plan, Brazilian industry will have an important role in the development of, and be responsible for, the production of the two-seat Gripen NG variant for the Brazilian Air Force.

Brazil joins Sweden in becoming the launch customer for the next-generation Gripen, which shares the same smart design and innovative technology as today’s Gripen versions. Gripen aircraft are currently in operational service with the Swedish, Czech, Hungarian, South African and Royal Thai Air Forces, and also with the UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS).

The next-generation Gripen meets the market’s demand for a sophisticated and flexible combat aircraft with sustainable costs. The aircraft provides more thrust, extended range and endurance, expanded weapons capacity, new sensors including an advanced AESA radar, highly effective electronic warfare systems and multi-function communications.

The Gripen NG for Brazil and Gripen E for Sweden share all the attributes of the next-generation Gripen design, but are also tailored to each country’s specific national requirements. The commitments by Sweden and Brazil secure Gripen’s industrial and operational future into the 2050 timeframe.