Minister of Defense Pål Jonson (M) and Brazil’s Minister of Defense José Múcio signed the declaration of intent on Thursday.
“Brazil has expressed a willingness and interest in possibly purchasing an additional 20 Gripen,” Jonson said at a press conference in connection with the signing.
Made in Brazil
This concerns the new Gripen E/F, which will then be manufactured in Brazil. Brazil has already agreed to purchase 36 Gripen E/Fs and the first Gripen manufactured in Brazil was displayed in March.
Pål Jonson did not want to mention any price tag for a possible deal.
“It is still something to be discussed. But we appreciate that Brazil has expressed a desire to buy more,” he said, emphasizing that the actual deal is between Brazil and Gripen manufacturer Saab.
“It is proof that the collaboration is going well.”
Praises cooperation
José Múcio emphasizes that the cooperation between Sweden and Brazil has worked well so far, which he cites as a reason for the interest in purchasing additional planes.
“We have overcome difficulties and now we will make this partnership even better,” he said.
According to the letter of intent, Sweden and Brazil have also reviewed the framework for technical and scientific cooperation on Gripen. This concerns the operation, maintenance and development of the aircraft, as well as associated systems and equipment. An innovation center is planned in Brazil to strengthen the country’s “defense industrial base.”
Transport plan
The government announced a year ago that Sweden wants to buy four C-390 transport planes from Brazilian Embraer. Jonson said he expects the first to be delivered in early 2028, possibly slightly earlier.
The deal is being negotiated with the Netherlands and Austria, among others. The price tag is not finalized but is within budget, according to Jonson.
“It will be a huge increase in capability compared to the Hercules we have today,” Jonson said about the plan.
