The Brazilian air force appears to be favouring the Sukhoi Su-35 to meet its F-X fighter requirement, despite local manufacturer Embraer's Mirage 2000-5BR bid with shareholder Dassault. Meanwhile, submission of the air force's final report to the Brazilian defence ministry, due last week, has been delayed.
The Brazilian air force's final selection apparently favoured the Rosboronexport/KnAAPO/Avibr s proposal on operational and technical grounds. The Russian/Brazilian partnership is offering 18 Su-35/Su-35UBs, while Embraer/Dassault is bidding with 16 Mirage 2000-5BRs.
The defence ministry will take the final decision. A selection is expected on 15 June.
Russia's Su-35/Su-35UB package includes the transfer of space vehicle technology. Other offsets include assistance to build a $220 million maintenance and manufacturing facility able to produce Su-35 components as well as the transfer of applicable technologies. Livestock products trade barriers would also be relaxed.
The Embraer/Dassault proposal includes a batch of Dassault-built Mirage 2000-5BRs and establishing a production line at Embraer's new Gavi‹o Peixoto facility.
Source: Flight International
