DefenseBrazilian Air Force evaluates receiving a dozen used Gripen fighters amid budget restrictions
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is negotiating the acquisition of used Saab Gripen C/D fighters to expand its fleet in light of budget limitations and delays in the modernization program, according to a report from the newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo.
The discussions consider the purchase of up to 12 used units in addition to six new Gripen E/F. The FAB is also evaluating F-16 fighters as an alternative to avoid a possible operational deficit until the final delivery of the planes, scheduled for 2032.
FAB Commander Marcelo Damasceno recently visited Stockholm to discuss military cooperation with Sweden. The aim is to find an intermediate solution to maintain Brazil’s air defense capabilities amid the delays in delivering the 36 Gripen E/F acquired in 2014.
T
he contractual addendum under negotiation could expand the fleet to up to 50 fighters, with a mixed proposal of used aircraft from the previous generation (C/D) and new ones, given the resource constraints.
The Brazilian Air Force showed interest last year in incorporating used F-16 fighters from U.S. Air Force (USAF) stocks. This alternative is considered a backup plan if there are difficulties in negotiations with Sweden or limitations on the availability of Gripen C/D aircraft.
Sweden, for its part, is facing availability challenges, with less than 70 of the 96 Gripen in its fleet operational, which restricts the transfer of units.
Rising costs and fewer flight hours
The Gripen program in Brazil is facing rising costs due to contractual add-ons, which have increased the total value by 13.43% since 2014. According to the outlet, the add-ons corresponded to the equivalent of six additional aircraft. The new addendum under discussion could add almost US$1 billion to the original contract, reflecting the need for adjustments due to delays and budget limitations.
Budgetary delays have already impacted the delivery of the aircraft, with the last Gripen E/F now expected only in 2032, eight years after the initial schedule.
The restrictions have affected pilot training, who have been accumulating fewer flight hours than desired by the FAB, which could compromise operational readiness.
The Gripen C/D is an earlier version of the Swedish fighter, equipped with avionics and weapon systems distinct from the E/F model currently in production for Brazil. The eventual adoption of used units requires logistical and training adaptations, but offers a short-term alternative to supplement the fleet during the transition.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
