Government wants to seal a deal for new aircraft before presidential elections in October
Brazil has asked the fighter manufacturers competing in its F-X requirement to submit revised tenders ahead of a planned final selection set for early June. Financial constraints have scaled back the planned purchase to 12 fighters, undermining hopes of local production of the winning aircraft.
The Brazilian air force has been asked by the national defence council to present its recommendations by 28 May in a bid to award a contract before presidential elections in October and avoid a decision slipping to next year. After initial submissions last October and meetings with the manufacturers, the air force has further refined its requirements and asked for updated responses by 3 May.
This is expected to be followed by a round of final offers on 20 May and the submission of the air force's recommendations shortly after. Brazil has reduced its planned initial purchase to 12 fighters, having asked for pricing on 24 aircraft but finding its $700 million FX budget insufficient.
Contenders have been narrowed to the Dassault Mirage 2000BR, Lockheed Martin F-16C/D, Saab/ BAE Systems Gripen and Sukhoi Su-30MK. Brazil has specified 100% offset, with at least 20% direct and much linked to aerospace work.
Embraer continues to lead Dassault's effort, but the reduced size of the planned purchase has made local assembly unviable. Sukhoi has teamed with Avibras and Saab/BAE Systems with Varig for logistical support. Lockheed Martin says it has similar non-exclusive support agreements with Brazilian companies.
Brazil is considering offers of fighters to bridge the gap between next year's retirement of its Dassault Mirage IIIs and the projected 2005 F-X service entry date. The Netherlands, with Lockheed Martin, is looking for a buyer for up to 19 F-16A/Bs, while Israel Aircraft Industries is understood to have offered 12 Kfirs.
Source: Flight International
