SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil,
July 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
EMBRAER S.A. (BM&FBOVESPA: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ) – Embraer
and Saab have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to partner in
joint programme management for the F-X2 Project, pursuant to the
selection of the Gripen NG as Brazil's next generation fighter jet. Under
this agreement Embraer will perform a leading role in the overall
programme performance as well as undertake an extensive share of
work in the production and delivery of both the single and two-seat
versions of the state-of-the-art Gripen NG aircraft for the
Brazilian Air Force.
Embraer will coordinate all development and production
activities in Brazil on behalf of
Saab and, in addition to its own extensive work packages, will
participate in systems development, integration, flight tests,
final assembly and deliveries.
Furthermore, Embraer and Saab will be jointly responsible for
the complete development of the two-seat version of the Gripen NG,
at the same time that a strategic partnership for future global
promotion and marketing of both single and two-seat versions is
being discussed between the two companies.
"Embraer and Saab both have a long tradition in the defense
market and will now work together to provide high-quality and
affordable solutions for the Brazilian Air Force and other Gripen
NG customers. This agreement will strengthen the ties between the
defense industries of Brazil and
Sweden," says Jackson Schneider, President and CEO of Embraer
Defense & Security.
"We are happy to announce this partnership with Embraer. Not
only do we share experience in the defense and aeronautical
markets, but both organisations have a clear dedication to customer
satisfaction. Through this partnership we will secure an excellent
result for the Brazilian Air Force and we will establish solid
ground for success with future business opportunities and
customers," says Saab's President and CEO Hakan Buskhe.
"In addition to re-equipping the Brazilian Air Force, the F-X2
project is meant to stimulate Brazil's Defense industrial base. This
partnership between Embraer and Saab will be of great importance to
Brazil, because, besides
participating in the development, we will be able to autonomously
maintain our fleet. Embraer, as a high tech manufacturer of
commercial jets, and Saab, with its tradition in the development of
fighter aircraft, are complementary businesses that certainly enjoy
great gains with this agreement", says Lieutenant-Brigadier
Juniti-Saito, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force.
The Gripen NG is a true multi-role fighter aircraft, based on
the proven Gripen C/D platform. It is built to adapt to all of the
changing threats and operational requirements that modern air
forces face. Gripen's combination of very advanced operational
capabilities with moderate through-life costs make the fighter
absolutely unique on the world market.
The agreement will be implemented following a successful
conclusion of the ongoing discussions between Saab and Brazil relating to the finalization of F-X2
contracts. These talks are proceeding as planned and it is hoped to
reach a positive outcome by the end of 2014.
For further information, please contact:
Embraer Press Centre, +5512 3927-1311
press@embraer.com.br
Saab Press Centre, +46 (0)734 180 018,
presscentre@saabgroup.com
Follow us on Twitter: @EmbraerSA
SOURCE EMBRAER S.A.