Brazilian President Criticizes U.S. Inquiry on 2014 Gripen Jet Deal

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva criticized the U.S. Department of Justice's request for information on Brazil's 2014 deal with Saab for Gripen jets, calling it unwarranted interference. The Supreme Court dismissed accusations of misconduct related to the deal. Lula called it political persecution.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has criticized the U.S. Department of Justice for seeking details on Brazil's 2014 procurement of Gripen fighter jets from Saab, a Swedish firm, calling it undue interference.

The request from the U.S. emerged as Saab declared its intent to comply. President Lula described the move as the U.S. meddling in Brazil's affairs during a radio interview. Lula, currently serving his third term, previously held office from 2003 to 2010.

The contract was finalized by Lula's successor, Dilma Rousseff. Although accusations arose in 2016 that Lula leveraged his influence unfairly, Brazil's Supreme Court dismissed the charges in 2022, citing prosecutorial bias and adherence to constitutional processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)