Saab and Embraer S.A. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration between the companies in several areas, especially in developing new business in the engineering field. The announcement was made this Tuesday (11) during LAAD, the main defense and security fair in Latin America.
The companies will work together to position the C-390 Millennium as the preferred solution for the Swedish Air Force’s tactical airlift requirements, in addition to evaluating the integration of Saab’s equipment and systems on the C-390 multi-mission aircraft.
The companies will also seek new business opportunities, including potential Gripen customers in Brazil and Latin America, considering the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN), the Gripen Flight Test Center (GFTC) and the final assembly line of the aircraft at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto (SP) site. In this way, Embraer and Saab will collaborate to increase Embraer’s participation in future Gripen contracts.
The understanding also states that the companies will develop technical studies for future fighters, strengthening the transfer of technology carried out by Saab for the Brazilian Defense Industrial Base, as part of the Gripen program for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). This work can support the growth of Gripen E through 2060 and other future fighter needs as they arise.
“Our companies have worked together to provide Brazil with an exceptional capability that will last for decades. This MoU is an important and gratifying step in growing that cooperation into new areas. The partnership between Saab and Embraer goes beyond Brazil’s borders and also strengthens our achievements today,” said Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson.
“Saab and Embraer are world leaders in aerospace, recognized for their engineering excellence and products. I view this Memorandum of Understanding very optimistically. I am sure that the two companies will further expand their business in various markets around the world by working together,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security.
Gripen
The Gripen E/F is a multi-mission combat aircraft designed to defeat any adversary. Made for forward-thinking air forces, Gripen incorporates cutting-edge technologies, the latest systems, sensors, weapons and pods to ensure combat advantage, providing air superiority in contested environments. Gripen redefines the rules of the game.
In 2014, Saab and the Brazilian Government signed the contract to supply the Brazilian Air Force with 36 Gripen fighter jets, which includes not only the aircraft, but also logistical support, weapons, support systems, simulators, training and development. The Gripen program represents the most extensive technology transfer ever undertaken by Saab, and drives the development of Brazil’s Defense Industry through local companies, with Embraer as its main strategic partner in the country.
C-390 Millennium
The C-390 Millennium is the most modern new generation military tactical transport aircraft. Its multi-mission platform offers unmatched mobility, combining high productivity and operational flexibility with low operating costs – an unbeatable combination. The C-390 Millennium can carry more payload (26 tons) compared to other medium-size military cargo aircraft and fly faster (470 knots) and farther, being capable of performing a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, operating on temporary or unpaved runways (i.e. including compacted earth, soil and gravel).
In its refueling version, the aircraft has already proven its aerial refueling capability, as well as an aircraft that receives fuel from another KC-390 using capsules installed under the wings, being the only aircraft in the world in the segment to perform such an operation. Recently, the aircraft received the Final Type Certificate, reflecting its Full Operational Capability (FOC), confirming that the project meets all the requirements defined by the FAB and that the aircraft can successfully perform all the missions for which it was designed.