Two Gripen NG fighter jets, known as F-39, arrived in Brazil this Sunday (25) to reinforce the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) fleet. The aircraft are part of a batch of 36 units that were purchased by the country and are being manufactured in Sweden. With the arrival of the new units this Sunday, the country now has four Gripen fighter planes, and a fifth is being used for tests by Embraer.
The models are among the most modern in the world, with high persuasive power against airspace invaders and high combat performance in air conflicts. The two fighters were brought by a ship of Dutch origin, which docked at the Port of Navegantes, in Santa Catarina. The aircraft will be transported to Embraer Defense and Security’s headquarters in the interior of São Paulo.
The region is also home to the Brazilian headquarters of Saab, the aircraft manufacturer. In São Paulo, the fighter jets undergo tests and other evaluations, being prepared for operation. The planes were purchased in 2014, at a cost of $4.5 billion (R$23 billion), and provides for technology transfer, with part of the batch of units being built in Brazilian territory.
The initial forecast, if there are no delays, is that the 36 models purchased will be in possession of the Air Force by 2024. Negotiations are underway for the purchase of another 26 aircraft of the same type.