Sweden's defence minister, Pal Jonson, said on Thursday that Brazil has signaled possible interest in procuring another 20 Gripen model E and F fighter jets from Saab. Jonson made the remark during a joint news conference in Stockholm with his Brazilian counterpart, Defense Minister Jose Mucio.
Jonson specified that any additional Gripen aircraft would be produced in Brazil. That arrangement follows a 2014 agreement under which Brazil committed to purchase 36 Gripens, and a subsequent step in 2023 when Saab and Embraer SA launched a production line in Brazil to build the jets.
The implementation of that production line has already led to the delivery of the first aircraft, and the remainder of the original 36-plane order is expected to be delivered by 2027. Brazil has previously indicated it may place more orders, and Jonson's comments reflect that continued openness to expanding the fleet.
Market references included in reporting around the announcement showed EMBJ3 down 3.17% and SAABb up 1.12% at the time the figures were cited.
Provided information in this report is limited to statements made at the Stockholm press conference and to the production and delivery schedule noted by the parties involved. No additional quantities, contract terms, financing details or delivery dates beyond those already disclosed - including the target of completing deliveries by 2027 for the outstanding aircraft from the 2014 order - were provided in the comments cited here.
Context and implications
The comments by Sweden's defence minister underscore an ongoing industrial collaboration between Saab and Embraer, centered on domestic production in Brazil. The existing program began with the 2014 procurement agreement for 36 Gripens and proceeded with the establishment of a production line in 2023.
Officials confirmed the pathway by which additional aircraft could be ordered and built locally, but did not provide definitive decisions or timelines for any new order beyond the expression of interest reported at the press conference.