Brazil cuts KC-390 order to buy more Gripens
Brazilian Air Force Gripen E. |
Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira - FAB) to scale back the order of the KC-390 airlifters (as we anticipated in May 2020). It will be reduced by 6 aircraft (from 28 to 22) with the addition of compensation clauses. However, this revision is milder than the previous FAB plan which provided for a 50% reduction.
Baptista Junior said they are currently seeking funds to finalize the new deal and that the cut to the KC-390 order will help with that.
He believes that this process will take about six months and has rejected rumors that the FAB would be interested in purchasing the F-35. "This is an illusion," he said.
This cut is due to the budget problems facing Brazil and the need for the FAB to introduce more Gripen fighters.
The current plan of the FAB provides for the purchase of an additional 30 Saab Gripen E/F aircraft to be added to the 36 already acquired, according to recent statements by the Air Force Commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior.
Baptista Junior said they are currently seeking funds to finalize the new deal and that the cut to the KC-390 order will help with that.
He believes that this process will take about six months and has rejected rumors that the FAB would be interested in purchasing the F-35. "This is an illusion," he said.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Image: SAAB
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