Saab and Embraer launch joint assembly of JAS 39 Gripen fighters in Brazil

Saab will start assembling JAS 39 Gripen fighters in Brazil. The production line has been launched in the state of Sao Paulo in conjunction with local giant Embraer.

Here's What We Know

Brazil has become the first country outside of Sweden to assemble fighter jets. The Brazilian specialists who will work at the new plant were trained at Saab's facilities in Sweden.

Brazil ordered 36 Gripen aircraft in 2014. Nine years have passed since then and Gripen has not signed any new fighter jet contracts since then. But it has received $337 million to upgrade the JAS 39 Gripen C/D, which is in service with the Swedish Air Force.

The agreement with Brazil was worth $5.4 billion. Saab delivered two more aircraft in mid-autumn last year. They are numbered FAB 4103 and 4104. By the way, the Brazilian designation of the fighters is F-39. The South American country has ordered single and two-seat versions of the aircraft in the amount of 28 and 8 units, respectively.

Source: Saab