After several rumors and unofficial information, the Brazilian Air Force confirmed that it is analyzing the possibility of having used F-16 fighters in its fleet.
The rumors began months ago when a slide from the FAB during a presentation in Congress showed a second fighter aircraft, in addition to the Gripen NG, as part of the force’s future plans. This information about a secondary combat aircraft had also been mentioned by the Air Force Commander, according to our associated media in Brazil, Aeroin.
This week, the renowned magazine Janes reported that the FAB is negotiating a batch of 24 Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon (Viper) fighters with the U.S., from stored aircraft, most likely F-16C/D models.
The goal of this purchase is to replace the remaining fleet of F-5 fighters and AMX attack aircraft, as the current batch of Gripen fighters (36 aircraft) will not be sufficient to re-equip all the jet combat squadrons of the Brazilian Air Force.
See also: What use will the F-16s bought from Denmark be to the Argentine Air Force?
The FAB was consulted by the portal Defensa Aérea y Naval, and confirmed that it is analyzing the purchase of the Viper, but that a formal negotiation has not yet been made, and that this exploration is not related to the current situation of the Gripen or its capabilities.
“The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) reports that it is collecting data to conduct a study on the possibility of acquiring used F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft. The analysis, however, is not related to the capabilities of the F-39 Gripen aircraft,” the force reported.
“It is also noted that, so far, no negotiations are being conducted with governments or companies, nor have quantities or versions been defined. The only interactions carried out on the subject were aimed at data collection,” they concluded.
