Embraer and Saab Sign MOU to Expand Partnership

Dark/Light Mode (12/04/23)  Embraer and Saab have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore business development and engineering opportunities.

The companies will work together to position the C-390 Millennium aircraft as the preferred solution for the Swedish Air Force's tactical air transport requirements and will evaluate the possible integration of Saab equipment and systems into the multi-mission plane.

The two businesses will also pursue new opportunities, including potential future customers of the Gripen, in Brazil and Latin America, considering the use of the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN), the Gripen Flight Test Center (GFTC) and the final assembly line at Embraer, in Gavião Peixoto.

Embraer KC-390. Picture by Steven Howard of TravelNewsAsia.com

In addition, Saab and Embraer will collaborate on engineering and technical future fighter studies, consolidating the transfer of technology carried out by Saab for the Brazilian defense industry within the current Gripen program for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). This work will help to support the future growth of Gripen E out to 2060 and other future fighter needs as they arise.

“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, President and CEO, Embraer Defense & Security.

Gripen E/F is a multi-role fighter aircraft system that incorporates cutting-edge technologies, systems, sensors, weapons, and pods to ensure air superiority in highly contested environments.

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.

“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 Micael Johansson, Saab’s President and CEO.

The C-390 Millennium can carry a payload of 26 tons and fly at 470 knots. It is capable of performing a wide range of missions such as transporting and dropping cargo and troops, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting and humanitarian missions, and can operate on temporary or unpaved runways - including packed earth, soil and gravel.

In its refueling version (KC-390), the aircraft has already proven its worth in delivering fuel to other aircraft, but can itself also receive fuel from another KC-390 using pods installed under the wings.

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