Saab and Embraer announced today at LAAD 2023 (International Defense and Security Tradeshow), in Rio de Janeiro, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen the partnership between the companies in several areas, mainly related to business development and engineering opportunities.
The companies issued a joint press release stating that they will collaborate to position the C-390 Millennium aircraft as the preferred solution to meet the Swedish Air Force’s tactical airlift requirements, and will also evaluate the integration of Saab equipment and systems on the C-390 Millennium aircraft.
The companies will also pursue new business opportunities, including potential future Gripen customers, in Brazil and Latin America, considering the use of the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN), the Gripen Flight Test Center (GFTC) and Embraer’s final assembly line in Gavião Peixoto. In this way, Embraer and Saab will work together to increase Embraer’s participation in future Gripen contracts.
Finally, the companies will collaborate on technical and engineering studies of future fighters, thus consolidating the technology transfer performed by Saab for the Brazilian defense industry within the current Gripen program for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). This work can support future growth of the Gripen E through 2060 and other future fighter needs as they arise.
“Our two companies have worked together to deliver an outstanding capability for Brazil that will last for decades. This MoU is an important and gratifying step toward growing that co-operation into new areas between Saab and Embraer that goes beyond Brazil, while maximising our existing achievements,” said Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson.
“Saab and Embraer are two world leaders in the aerospace segment, recognized for the excellence of their engineering and products. I view this MoU with extreme optimism, as I am sure that the two companies together can further grow their business in various markets around the world,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, Embraer Defense and Security President & CEO.
Gripen BR, the origin of ties
In 2014 Saab and the Brazilian Government signed the contract to supply the Brazilian Air Force with 36 Gripen aircraft, which includes not only the aircraft, but also logistical support, weapons, support systems, simulators, training and development. The Gripen programme represents the most extensive technology transfer ever done by Saab, which is driving the development of Brazil´s Defence Industry through local companies, having Embraer as its main strategic partner in the country.
The Millennium bet
The C-390 Millennium is the most modern military tactical transport aircraft of the new generation. The C-390 Millennium is a low-operating-cost multi-mission platform that can carry more payload (26 tons), fly faster (470 knots) and farther, than other military cargo aircraft of similar size.
Recently, the aircraft has achieved the Full Operational Capability (FOC), confirming that the project meets all the requirements defined and that the aircraft can successfully execute all missions for which it was designed.
Having already sold to NATO countries such as Portugal, Hungary and the Netherlands, and being actively promoted in Austria, the partnership with SAAB will allow Embraer to position itself advantageously to offer its aircraft as a replacement for the Swedish Air Force’s (Flygvapnet) C-130Hs.
However, it should be noted that in the planning document for the next 20 years prepared by the Swedish Defense Forces, the Super Hercules was defined as the replacement for the current C-130H. In this document, there is mention of acquiring at least four second-hand examples from Italy, and another two from the same and another source.
