Defense company Saab may face rapid quantitative order growth for their JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter, and Brazilian Embraer, Saab's main industrial partner, expressed desire to provide support to Swedish concern so it can handle fulfilling existing and future contracts.
Saab is our wonderful partner, noted in Breaking Defense conversation Marcio Monteiro, marketing director of Brazilian Embraer defense division, emphasizing we are ready to provide support to Swedish manufacturer.
Read more: GCAP's Tempest Becomes Europe's Only Hope for Sovereign Sixth-Gen Fighter After FCAS Collapse, UK Finally Funds Program Fully
Defense Express notes Saab in near future may indeed face need to produce more Gripens given possible firm contract growth, these include 20 Gripen E fighters for Ukraine with aim to expand agreement to 100-150 aircraft total, probable mega-sale of up to 72 Gripen E/F to Canada, announced Brazilian own plans for 20 more Gripen E, not to mention existing contracts.
From this arises question, could it happen that Brazil will be involved in Gripen E production for Ukraine? Which may not be very pleasant scenario for us, especially considering desirability of localizing at minimum aircraft assembly at Ukrainian defense facilities.
At the same time, material states Embraer has plans to increase its JAS 39 Gripen final assembly work share. Recall Brazil currently conducts aircraft final assembly and also produces range of individual components.
However, Brazilian production will be focused primarily on satisfying this country's air force demand. Only this year first Brazil-manufactured Gripen E was presented, and under existing contract 14 more fighters remain to be manufactured. Considering additional order this will be 34 aircraft, whose Brazilian production will take years.
On other hand, Swedish Gripen E proposal for Canada also includes participation possibility in producing these aircraft for Ukraine. If everything goes to plan, it would be strange if Saab simultaneously gave some Ukrainian contract portion to Brazil.
At the same time, absolutely not excluded that if firm agreements with Ukraine, Canada, additional Brazilian order, plus all existing and probable future contracts are concluded, Sweden will involve Brazil in fulfilling third-country agreements.
Embraer appears ready for such scenario. We believe we can do more and help Saab meet their own needs, Monteiro noted. But whether this will be implemented in practice and when specifically depends on Brazilian contract fulfillment pace. And whether own needs means aircraft production for Sweden or also for other countries.
Ultimately recall Gripen production also depends on range of other countries, as significant component portion is produced in various countries. For example, Britain, which produces over 30% of aircraft components including radar, is actively involved in Swedish fighter production.
Read more: russian Admiral Grigorovich Frigate Fires at British Yacht in English Channel
