The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) acknowledged that it is evaluating a possible acquisition of used F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters, however, it denied that it is already in the negotiation stage.
In a statement sent to the local press, the Air Force stated that the study “is not related to the capabilities of the F-39 Gripen aircraft”.
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The FAB also reiterated that so far there has not been any type of negotiation, nor have versions and quantities of aircraft been defined.
On Wednesday, the 12th, Janes, a renowned British defense website, revealed in conversations with a high-ranking military officer that the Air Force is negotiating the acquisition of 24 second-hand F-16 fighters.
The reason given by the official would be budget restrictions that make it difficult to reach an agreement for more Gripen E/F fighters with Saab.
Negotiations for second batch of Gripen
The FAB currently has an order for 36 F-39E/F fighters, 15 of which are scheduled to undergo final assembly in Brazil at Embraer’s facilities.
Since 2022, however, talks have been taking place with the Swedish manufacturer to increase the number of aircraft.
Until recently, it was understood that the Ministry of Defense intended to sign an addendum to the original 2014 contract to add more fighters without the need for new competition.
Since last year, the Brazilian government has been discussing the possible supply of Embraer C-390 Millennium transport jets for the Swedish Air Force.
The aircraft competes for the order with Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Hercules. The plan would be for the two countries to reach a mutual agreement that would include the Gripen and the C-390, but so far there has been no decision.
The FAB intends to retire the F-5 fighters by 2029 while the last A-1 (AMX) attack jets should be deactivated by the end of next year.
See the statement from the Brazilian Air Force:
“The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) informs that it is collecting data to carry out a study on the possibility of acquiring used F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft. The analysis, however, is not related to the capabilities of the F-39 Gripen.
It is also noteworthy that, to date, no negotiations are being carried out with governments or companies, nor have quantities or versions been defined. The only interactions carried out on the topic were aimed at collecting data.”
