Brazil signals interest in more Gripens

Sweden and Brazil are seeking to deepen their strategic defence partnership, with discussions continuing over a potential follow-on order for 20 additional Gripen fighters and plans to expand industrial and research cooperation.

Speaking at a press conference in Stockholm, Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson and Brazilian Defence Minister José Múcio Monteiro Filho described the Gripen programme as a cornerstone of bilateral defence relations.

Jonson said both countries aim to strengthen cooperation in defence materiel, technology development and industrial collaboration.

- Brazil is interested in going beyond the 36 aircraft that have already been ordered, Jonson said.

The remarks refer to a possible order for 20 additional Gripen aircraft, although no agreement has been reached. Jonson said further discussions are required and that Saab would be the principal industrial partner in any future procurement.

First Gripen F unveiled in Linköping

The press conference coincided with a series of events in Sweden highlighting bilateral cooperation on the Gripen programme. Earlier in the week, Saab unveiled the first Gripen F, the two-seat variant of the Gripen E, at its facility in Linköping.

The Gripen F has been developed in close partnership with Brazil, which is the launch customer for the aircraft. Eight of the 36 Gripens ordered by Brazil are the two-seat F variant.

Jonson described the aircraft as a tangible outcome of years of technical and industrial cooperation between the two countries.

- It is a clear outcome of our cooperation, of shared expertise, and an important step in the continued development of Brazil’s defence capabilities, he said.

Brazil seeks deeper technology ties

José Múcio described the Gripen programme as one of Brazil’s most significant international industrial partnerships, emphasising that the relationship is intended to deliver benefits for both countries.

He said the technology transferred through the programme has become embedded within Brazil’s domestic industrial base.

- Gripen and the technology that Sweden has brought to Brazil are now as much ours as yours, José Múcio said.

In March, the first Gripen E assembled in Brazil was presented at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo state.

Research and development is emerging as a key focus area in the partnership. During the visit, plans were outlined for Saab to establish a research and development presence in São José dos Campos.

The initiative is intended to build on expertise developed through the Gripen programme and broaden cooperation in emerging technologies. Jonson said the partnership now extends beyond combat aircraft into wider industrial and technological fields.

- We cooperate in technology, sustainability, research and development, as well as industrial partnerships. We see considerable potential in these areas, he said.

Embraer’s C-390 transport aircraft also featured prominently in discussions on defence cooperation.

 Sweden has selected the aircraft to enhance the Swedish Armed Forces’ tactical airlift capability.

Jonson said the first Swedish C-390 delivery is expected in early 2028.