SAAB Latin America Military Projects
- Swedish defense and security company Saab is actively pursuing expansion within the Latin American defense sector, building on existing contracts with Brazil and Colombia.
- Saab's ongoing program with Brazil includes the delivery of 36 JAS 39 Gripen E multirole combat aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
- Saab officials stated that the first Gripen E manufactured in Brazil,assembled by Embraer in Gavião Peixoto,is slated for delivery by the end of 2025.
Saab Aims to Expand Footprint in Latin American Defence Market
Table of Contents
- Saab Aims to Expand Footprint in Latin American Defence Market
- Saab’s Growing Footprint in Latin American Defense: A Q&A
- What is Saab’s overall strategy in the Latin American defense market?
- Which countries are key to Saab’s Latin American strategy?
- How is Saab involved in the Brazilian defense market?
- What is Saab’s partnership with Colombia?
- Is Saab pursuing any deals in Peru?
- What is Saab’s presence in Argentina?
- What is Saab’s long-term vision for Latin America?
- Is Saab confident in its future in Latin America?
Swedish defense and security company Saab is actively pursuing expansion within the Latin American defense sector, building on existing contracts with Brazil and Colombia. The company aims to solidify its presence by offering advanced defense solutions and fostering strategic partnerships.
Brazil: A Decade of Cooperation and Local Production
Saab’s ongoing program with Brazil includes the delivery of 36 JAS 39 Gripen E multirole combat aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The collaboration marks a decade of partnership between Saab and Brazil.
Saab officials stated that the first Gripen E manufactured in Brazil,assembled by Embraer in Gavião Peixoto,is slated for delivery by the end of 2025. In total, 15 of the 36 aircraft ordered by the FAB will be produced within Brazil.
The first Gripen E was incorporated into the FAB in December 2022 and participated in the Cruzex multinational exercise in November 2024.
Saab emphasizes that its collaboration with the FAB extends beyond aircraft delivery, encompassing significant investment in training and knowledge transfer. To support pilot training, two advanced Flow and Mission Trainers were installed at the Anapolis Air Base (BAAN) in late 2022. Saab noted that these interconnected simulators enable pilots to conduct precise training exercises.
The partnership has also achieved a milestone by establishing Gripen E production outside of Sweden.this “Gripen ecosystem,” centered on Embraer in Gavião Peixoto, includes the Gripen Design and Development Network, a flight test centre, and the only Gripen production line outside Sweden. This positions Brazil alongside other nations with established defense industries, such as those producing submarines, Super tucano light attack aircraft, and C-390 Millennium transport aircraft.
Colombia is emerging as a key strategic partner for Saab. The Colombian Corporation Cotecmar will construct frigates for the colombian Navy as part of the Strategic Surface platform Program (PES), partnering with Dutch Shipyard Damen Shipyards Group.
In February 2025, Saab secured a contract with Damen to supply the frigate’s combat system. This includes the 9LV Combat Management System,the 9LV Fire Control System,the Ceros 200 fire control director and radar/optronic system,the EOS 500 electro-optic fire control director,and the Giraffe 4A radar,among other Saab systems. Damen and Portuguese company EID have also signed a contract for the program’s communications control system.
The first PES frigate, based on the Damen Sigma 10514 multimission ship design, is expected to be delivered in 2030.
potential Deals in peru
While declining to comment on a potential agreement with Colombia regarding Gripen E/F fighters,Saab addressed the Peru Air Force’s (FAP) plans to acquire 24 combat aircraft to replace its aging Dassault Mirage 2000 and Sukhoi SU-25 fleets.
the potential suppliers and platforms under consideration include the Lockheed Martin F-16, the KF-21 from Korea Aerospace Industries, the Dassault rafale, and the Saab Gripen E/F.
During the Sitdef Defense Fair in April, Saab showcased a Gripen E. Reports indicate that the Swedish government has requested parliamentary approval for the sale of 12 gripen E/F aircraft to Peru.
Saab refrained from discussing the status of negotiations but stated that the Gripen E/F is well-suited to the FAP’s requirements.Saab emphasized the Gripen’s unique capacity for deployed operations, highlighting its ability to take off and land on short, unprepared runways between 500 and 800 meters, and also its support for local industry.
Argentina: Existing Saab Systems in Use
The Argentine armed forces already utilize Saab equipment, with the Argentine Air Force operating Saab 340 aircraft and all three branches employing RBS 70 NG short-range air defense systems. A request for the latest version of the RBS 70 NG was submitted in 2022.
Looking Ahead: A Regional Hub in Brazil
Saab stated that its approach in Latin America extends beyond individual programs. The company views Brazil as a regional hub, notably in the aerospace sector, enabling support for other countries in the region. The Gripen program with Brazil, the agreement with Colombia, and the cotecmar/Damen program represent key contracts secured by Saab in the last decade.
Saab expressed satisfaction with Colombia’s recent selection of the Gripen, citing it as confirmation of growing interest in advanced and reliable defense solutions in Latin America. Given Saab’s diverse product catalog and successful projects in the region, securing new clients and partners in Latin America appears to be a matter of time.
Saab’s Growing Footprint in Latin American Defense: A Q&A
Saab, the Swedish defense and security company, is actively expanding its presence in the Latin American defense market. This article explores Saab’s key partnerships and potential opportunities in the region.
What is Saab’s overall strategy in the Latin American defense market?
Saab is focused on expanding its presence by offering advanced defense solutions and fostering strategic partnerships with countries in latin America. They are building upon existing successful contracts and aiming to establish a strong regional hub.
Which countries are key to Saab’s Latin American strategy?
Brazil and Colombia are currently the primary focus, with meaningful investments and partnerships in place. Saab is also actively pursuing opportunities in Peru and maintaining existing relationships in Argentina.
How is Saab involved in the Brazilian defense market?
Saab has a major program with Brazil, centered on the delivery of 36 JAS 39 Gripen E multirole combat aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). This collaboration marks a decade of partnership.
can you elaborate on the Gripen E program in Brazil?
The Gripen E program involves significant collaboration, including local production in Brazil. Embraer assembles 15 of the 36 aircraft ordered by the FAB in Gavião Peixoto. The first Gripen E was integrated in December 2022 and participated in the Cruzex exercise in 2024.
What are the benefits of this partnership beyond aircraft delivery?
Beyond aircraft, Saab invests heavily in training and knowledge transfer. they’ve installed advanced Flow and Mission Trainers to support pilot training. This has fostered a Gripen ecosystem outside of Sweden in Brazil.
What is Saab’s partnership with Colombia?
Saab is partnering with the Colombian Corporation Cotecmar to supply the combat system, including the 9LV Combat Management System, for the construction of frigates for the Colombian Navy as part of the PES program.
What specific systems is Saab providing for the Colombian frigates?
Saab is supplying a range of systems, including the 9LV Combat Management System, 9LV Fire Control System, Ceros 200 fire control director, EOS 500 electro-optic fire control director, and the Giraffe 4A radar, among others.
when are the Colombian frigates expected to be delivered?
The first frigate is expected to be delivered in 2030.
Is Saab pursuing any deals in Peru?
Yes, Saab is in contention for a potential deal with Peru to supply Gripen E/F fighter aircraft to the Peru air Force (FAP). The FAP plans to acquire 24 combat aircraft to replace its aging Dassault mirage 2000 and Sukhoi SU-25 fleets.
What other aircraft are peru considering?
Besides the Saab’s Gripen E/F, the Lockheed Martin F-16, the KF-21 from Korea Aerospace Industries, and the Dassault Rafale are also being considered by Peru.
What are the advantages of the Gripen E/F for such operations in Peru?
The Gripen E/F is well-suited to the FAP’s requirements,as it can operate in deployed operations. The Gripen can take off and land on short, unprepared runways between 500 and 800 meters, offering operational flexibility.
What is Saab’s presence in Argentina?
The argentine armed forces already utilize Saab equipment.The Argentine Air Force operates Saab 340 aircraft, and all three branches employ RBS 70 NG short-range air defense systems. A request for the latest version of the RBS 70 NG was submitted in 2022.
What is Saab’s long-term vision for Latin America?
Saab views Brazil as a regional hub,particularly in the aerospace sector,to support other countries in the region. They are building on the foundation of successful contracts and aiming to secure more partnerships.
Is Saab confident in its future in Latin America?
Given its diverse product catalog and successful projects in the region, Saab is optimistic about securing new clients and partners in Latin America.