Brazil, Argentina to strenghten aerospace cooperation; talk Gripen deal

UPI ^ | October 22, 2014 | Richard Tomkins

[sukhoi-30mki]

Brazil and Argentina are to hold negotiations over the possible procurement of Brazilian-made, but Swedish-designed, jet fighters.

GAVIAO PEIXOTO, Brazil, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Brazil and Argentina are to begin negotiations over the purchase of Swedish-designed Gripen fighters to be manufactured in Brazil. The decision was announced in Brazil by visiting Argentine Defense Minister Agustín Rossi.

Brazil's Ministry of Defense said the talks over the possible purchase of 24 Brazil-produced Gripens would include not only the conditions of purchase but also Argentina's participation in the production of the Saab-designed aircraft.

"Our willingness to cooperate with Argentina, our neighbor and ally, is total," said Brazilian Defense Minister Celso Amorim.

Brazil and Argentina already cooperate on a number of defense projects and during the Argentine minster's visit signed a new cooperative agreement to strengthen ties between their defense industries.

[sukhoi-30mki]

[Don W]

All arguments aside, that is one beautiful machine.

[GeronL]

don’t they need Sweden’s permission to sell those abroad?

[sukhoi-30mki]

Of course. This wouldn’t be happening without clearance from Sweden.

Additionally, they’d need clearance from Washington for the engine. I wonder if they’ll need to swap out the ejection seat, IRST and radar as these have some level of involvement from UK companies, which is a big no-no for Argentina.