A Swedish Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet recently flew during a media demonstration, highlighting NATO Air Policing operations that ensure the security of Allied airspace in the northern and northeastern regions, as observed on July 4, 2023. In a related development, Sweden has selected the Embraer C-390 Millennium as its next-generation military cargo aircraft, while Brazil plans to increase its purchase of Gripen fighter jets from Swedish defense firm Saab, according to the Swedish government.

This arrangement follows the signing of a letter of intent between the two nations, marking the culmination of prolonged discussions. Brazil, which initially entered into a contract with Saab in 2010 to acquire 36 JAS 39 Gripen fighters, now aims to expand the agreement by an additional 25%, according to the Swedish authorities.

In exchange, Sweden will begin the process of acquiring Embraer’s C-390 Millennium to replace its aging fleet of Lockheed Martin aircraft. Embraer’s head of defense, Bosco da Costa Junior, expressed satisfaction with Sweden’s decision, noting that the country conducted a thorough evaluation of competing aircraft and consulted existing C-390 operators before making its selection. While the exact number of aircraft and the timeline for the order remain undisclosed, Costa mentioned that Sweden’s need is pressing, and the integration of the C-390 into its fleet is expected to commence swiftly.

With this decision, Sweden becomes the sixth European nation to adopt the C-390, joining NATO members such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Portugal, alongside non-NATO Austria. Brazil and South Korea also utilize the C-390 for military operations.

The letter of intent was signed by Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson and his Brazilian counterpart, Jose Mucio, in Natal, Brazil, where a multinational operational training exercise was underway. Discussions about Brazil’s interest in acquiring additional Gripen jets have been ongoing, with Mucio previously visiting Sweden to negotiate terms that would include Sweden purchasing the C-390.

A Saab representative acknowledged Brazil’s satisfaction with the Gripen platform, expressing optimism about further agreements. Meanwhile, Saab and Embraer have already established a joint Gripen production line in Brazil, further solidifying their defense partnership. Swedish media also reported that Colombia is poised to purchase a fleet of Gripen fighter jets, underlining the aircraft’s growing appeal globally.