The Brazilian Air Force is evaluating the acquisition of 12 second-hand Gripen C/D fighters from Sweden as a transitional measure to bridge the gradual retirement of the veteran F-5M Tiger II — an aircraft in service since 1975 that, in its heavily modernized form, continues operating from strategic bases at Canoas (RS) and Santa Cruz (RJ).
The rationale is to fill the gap between the delivery pace of the F-39E Gripen — 36 aircraft under the current contract — and the point at which the F-5M can no longer be sustained operationally. The current planning horizon extends the Tiger II in service until at least 2035, but a window of opportunity has opened with the availability of surplus Gripen C/D airframes from the Swedish Air Force.
Though older than the E/F variant, the Gripen C/D is a capable platform compatible with the weapons and systems already operated by the FAB. A used acquisition would reduce costs and simplify integration, since the FAB already possesses the full logistics infrastructure to support the Gripen family.
No contract has been signed. The process remains at the evaluation stage, with technical and budgetary studies ongoing within the FAB’s planning framework.
