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FAB acquired new weapons package and wants more Gripen fighters
F-39 Gripen
Image: FAB
Rafael Ramos
2/2/2022
Air Force Commander Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior showed the interest of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in acquiring 30 more units of the Saab Gripen F-39E/F fighter. If the acquisition takes place, the number of fighters of the model in the Brazilian fleet will be 66 units.
At the same time, the FAB bought a package of missiles, which is the most modern and expensive that Brazil has ever had to equip the plane. The armament package is considered the most advanced in South America.
The brigadier says that the acquisitions of the additional lot are in the initial phase: “How to get there [the 66], we have discussed, we are in the initial phase. It has an intention,” he said. At the same time, he demonstrates knowledge of the FAB's budget limitations.
The Gripen E was recently defeated by the American F-35A in Finland. Asked about this, the commander says that one should not compare the fighters and showed confidence in the potential Gripen. The commander also dismissed the rumors about a possible Brazilian interest in the American fighter.
The purchase of the Gripen would not be just an acquisition, but a technology transfer program that aims to enable Embraer's production of the fighter.
“The idea was that Embraer could make a fifth-generation aircraft. Today, I don't know if doing it in isolation, difficult with this cost, but with partnerships ”, he says.
Thus, the initial batch of the fighter is 36 units, being 28 of the single-seater model (F-39E) and 8 of the two-seater model (F-39F), which must be produced entirely in Brazil.
Deliveries started to Brazil and Sweden at the end of last year.
GET TO KNOW THE NEW MISSILES OF THE FAB
The FAB acquired two new types of air-to-air missiles to equip the fighters: Meteor and Iris-T. Both are advanced weaponry. These are BVR missiles (beyond visual range)
Meteor is an out-of-sight combat missile with its range of 100 to 200 km. It reaches speeds of Mach 4, being guided in an inertial way, via datalink and radar in the terminal phase. Its price is 2.4 million dollars.
The Iris-T has vectored thrust, ensuring great maneuverability. It is infrared guided and has a range of 25 km. Its price is 430 thousand dollars.
The FAB did not disclose how many missiles it received or the value.
JAS-39 Gripen E
Brazilian Air Force
Image: Brazilian Air Force
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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