Sweden and Brazil Deepen Aviation Ties with Strategic Aircraft Deals

Sweden and Brazil have signed a letter of intent to extend their aviation cooperation. Brazil aims to purchase SAAB fighter jets while Sweden is interested in Embraer cargo planes, strengthening bilateral ties. The collaboration includes extending an existing JAS 39 Gripen contract and selecting Embraer's C-390 Millennium for Sweden.

In a significant move to bolster their defense collaborations, Sweden and Brazil have inked a letter of intent on Saturday, focusing on aviation exchanges. Brazil is set to procure more SAAB fighter jets, while Sweden eyes Embraer's state-of-the-art cargo planes, as per the Swedish government's announcement.

Brazil had initially signed a contract in 2010 with Swedish defense company SAAB for the purchase of 36 JAS 39 Gripen planes. The latest agreement proposes a 25% extension of this contract. In a reciprocating action, Sweden has chosen Embraer's C-390 Millennium as its new military cargo aircraft, according to Embraer.

The accord was signed by Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson and his Brazilian counterpart Jose Mucio in Brazil. SAAB representatives view this development as positive, anticipating further discussions. Meanwhile, Swedish Radio disclosed that Colombia is set to purchase a fleet of JAS Gripen fighter jets, citing unnamed sources.

(With inputs from agencies.)