Brazil starts talks for next Gripen batch, as Saab battles to extend Czech deal.

Brazil starts talks for next Gripen batch, as Saab battles to extend Czech deal.

Brazil has entered into discussions with Sweden for a second batch of Saab Gripen E/F combat aircraft, and also appears poised to complete an earlier top-up buy of the locally designated F-39.

“Brazil has announced that they will add four aircraft immediately to the existing contract,” Saab chief executive Micael Johansson said during the company’s first-half financial results call on 21 July. “In parallel, we have started a discussion on the second batch, for another 26 aircraft.

Saab’s launch export customer for the Gripen E, Brazil in 2014 signed for an initial 36 examples: 28 single-seat F-39Es and eight two-seat F-model jets. The airframer earlier this year shipped the Brazilian air force’s first two serial production examples to the nation, where they are now supporting military certification tasks ahead of service entry later this year.

In addition to the development with Brasilia, Johansson says there are “a couple of other countries in Latin America that look very promising” as potential Gripen E customers. He did not identify the nations involved, but Saab and its regional manufacturing partner Embraer have previously named Colombia as among sales targets for the type in the region.

Closer to home, Johnasson believes that the Gripen E will in time also receive an orders boost from Stockholm, following its recent request to join NATO. “I am quite sure that Sweden will continue to have more platforms going forward, beyond 60,” he says, referring to the nation’s current production commitment.