Three of the six bidders who responded in July to Brazil's tender for at least 36 (and possibly 120) multi-role fighters will advance to the final round of the competition. The Brazilian Air Force announced the three teams advancing today (warning: Portugese language link -- use Google translator): Boeing F/A-18E/F, Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen. Brazil rejected bids from Sukhoi, Eurofighter and Lockheed Martin.
Brazil wants a multi-role fighter to patrol the skies as much as monitor smugglers in the Amazon and guard the country's offshore oil rigs. But Brasilia also wants the multi-billion dollar contract to re-energize a long-dormant domestic defense industry through indigenous production and as much technology transfer as can be afforded, or, perhaps, allowed.
Given the USA's more restrictive technology transfer policies, Boeing should consider itself fortunate to remain in the competition, although the F/A-18E/F is certainly an acceptable aircraft for Brazil's requirements. Brazil's deep political, industrial and even cultural (the latter is my personal observation) links with France seem to give the Rafale the edge. Of course, if affordability becomes the overriding issue, Saab's very capable Gripen could surprise the competition.
Brazil wants a multi-role fighter to patrol the skies as much as monitor smugglers in the Amazon and guard the country's offshore oil rigs. But Brasilia also wants the multi-billion dollar contract to re-energize a long-dormant domestic defense industry through indigenous production and as much technology transfer as can be afforded, or, perhaps, allowed.
Given the USA's more restrictive technology transfer policies, Boeing should consider itself fortunate to remain in the competition, although the F/A-18E/F is certainly an acceptable aircraft for Brazil's requirements. Brazil's deep political, industrial and even cultural (the latter is my personal observation) links with France seem to give the Rafale the edge. Of course, if affordability becomes the overriding issue, Saab's very capable Gripen could surprise the competition.
Recent Comments