Brazil's F-X fighter competition is in danger of deteriorating into political mud-slinging in the run-up to national elections, as Embraer mounts a determined lobbying effort on behalf of the Dassault Mirage 2000BR effort in the face of the air force's preference for the Sukhoi Su-35 followed by the Saab/BAE Systems Gripen and Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 50-Plus.
The defence ministry has summoned all five F-X contenders for a new round of offset discussions. This new delay was triggered by doubts over the precise nature and scope of the proposals. Defence minister Geraldo Quint‹o says: "What we want to place before the national security council is a finished package that provides technical, offset and financing solutions for the F-X BR programme".
Embraer, teamed with shareholder Dassault, is strongly pushing the Mirage 2000BR based on a promise of technology transfer and eventual local co-production.
The Brazilian air force is understood to favour the Su-35 - offered by Rosboronexport/KnAAPO in partnership with Avibras, closely followed by the Gripen and F-16. The fifth competitor, the RSK MiG-29, is seen as an outside contender.
Despite a desire in Brazil's congress to adhere to the Brazilian air force's recommendations, offset proposals may determine the winner. Saab/BAE is offering to establish an aerostructures facility and a software development centre. Flag carrier Varig has teamed to support the Gripen, but the bid has not been helped by statements by airline president and former Embraer head Ozires Silva in favour of the Mirage 2000BR.
The Brazilian government must make a decision in the first half of July to avoid it being delayed by October's general elections.
Source: Flight International
