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The Brazilian Air Force is in the midst of a detailed analysis of its future air armament, which has generated much speculation about a possible purchase of Russian and Chinese fighter jets. In a context of delays in the Gripen program, in partnership with Sweden, the search for more economically viable alternatives has become increasingly urgent. In view of this need, the CPG spoke to Edmundo Ubiratan, an expert from Aero Magazine, who shared a comprehensive view of the challenges and implications of a possible acquisition of Russian and Chinese fighter jets for Brazil.
In recent years, the Brazilian Air Force has faced difficulties in its project to acquire Swedish Gripen fighter jets. The global health crisis and the lack of specific investments by the Brazilian government have delayed deliveries, putting pressure on the Brazilian Air Force to seek temporary solutions or even new alliances. One alternative under discussion would be the purchase of second-hand fighter jets, such as the F-16, which would require a smaller investment and would meet the Air Force's temporary needs. However, the idea of expanding the range of options to include Russian and Chinese fighter jets raises complex geopolitical issues and significant technical challenges.
FAB: What do experts say about Russian and Chinese fighters?
The choice of Russian or Chinese fighters would imply a series of adaptations and, according to Edmundo Ubiratan, would require a complete restructuring of the infrastructure of the FAB. Currently, the FAB's data and communication systems are aligned with Western standards, and the incorporation of aircraft of Russian or Chinese origin would require a complete redesign of the infrastructure, both in terms of maintenance and armament. Furthermore, Russia's history of after-sales and technical support in relation to Brazil has not been the most favorable, as seen in the experience with Russian helicopters.
Geopolitics and possible obstacles
For experts like Edmundo Ubiratan, global geopolitics is one of the biggest challenges facing a potential purchase of Russian or Chinese fighter jets by the FAB. Brazil's alignment with Western powers, such as the United States and Europe, limits the possibility of acquisitions of this type, especially considering the embargoes and blockades that could occur.
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The purchase of Russian fighters, such as the Su-57, would raise concerns for Russia in a possible scenario of military exercises in partnership with NATO forces, where the Russians would not want to see their equipment analyzed by geopolitical rivals.
Why would China be unlikely to export fighter jets to Brazil?
Although China has developed modern fighter jets, such as the J-20, the Chinese government has never expressed interest in exporting these aircraft to countries outside its sphere of influence. China's centralized view of its defense technology makes it unlikely that the country would be willing to do so. share operational details of your equipment. Ubiratan highlights that China has developed a stance of technological restriction, prioritizing internal development and avoiding compromising its security.
Economic and social consequences for Brazil
A restructuring of Brazil’s defense system based on Russian and Chinese fighter jets could significantly affect strategic sectors, such as Embraer. Brazil could face sanctions and embargoes on essential components and technologies from European countries, the United States, and Asian partners, which would directly impact Embraer’s production and the national economy. This would limit Brazil’s access to cutting-edge defense technologies and jeopardize decades-old alliances and trade agreements.
More cons than pros
The possibility of the FAB buying Russian and Chinese fighter jets presents more cons than pros, according to experts such as Edmundo Ubiratan. In a scenario of complex alliances and economic interdependencies, Brazil faces major barriers if it decides to seek alternatives outside the Western axis.
More than a question of budget, the choice between Russian or Chinese fighters would involve a complete reassessment of defense policies, in addition to profound diplomatic repercussions. The FAB's decision, therefore, involves not only the choice between different aircraft, but also the geopolitical path that the Brazil wants to continue in an increasingly polarized world.
Communist government, buy communist government.
Instead of choosing the country, it would be better to make our own. Even if it is initially inferior, we would not have to stay on side A or side B.
Fabzinha has to continue consuming American garbage.
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They speak so badly of the superior Russian equipment, why has no Gripen or F5 been sent to the Venezuelan border to shoot down the SU-30s, since they are so inferior?
LOL and more LOL
Buying Russian or Chinese fighter jets is the worst kind of nonsense, they are all scrap from China or Russia, the Gripen fighter jets are being delivered on the scheduled dates, they are among the best on planet Earth.
Stop talking about things you don't know, Brazil has had a long time to have another supplier of war material for years and China is a good choice for this role, China has excellent fighters like the stealthy J35 that will go into operation, the low-cost JF17 Block 3, Brazil has to buy Chinese fighters and preferably buy the manufacturing license to manufacture in Brazil.
Dude, did you read the article? It's not just about new fighter jets, it's a whole restructuring that would cost billions, in addition to having millions of sanctions that would complicate the entire national technology system. Are you ****? And not to mention that we're in the West!! Everyone would turn their backs on us and those who are far away don't give a shit about us...
It's true. Those who don't know, don't speak out... in your case Duillio. Don't let this purchase of planes from Russia or China pass you by... As they say, if you have the money, buy it, if you don't, finance it. Even the Rafale and the Thypoon are a better option than the uncertain Russian or Chinese technologies, and don't forget the infrastructure, data network, flight hours... All the logistics that must be taken into account, which was not done in the case of the "Hind" helicopters...
I am not able to give an opinion on the purchase of this or that equipment.
However, I understand that Gripens deliveries are very slow.
Why this delay, especially considering that in addition to the 36 already contracted, another batch of the same number of aircraft has already been agreed with SAAB?!!
It's been about 3 years and they only delivered 8 out of 36?!
There was a pandemic in the middle of the road and due to the war in Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, there is a shortage of critical materials used in the aeronautical industry, such as titanium. With these issues in mind, the delivery schedule is ok, considering that all aircraft will be delivered by 2027. Even Lockheed-Martin has been having difficulty meeting the delivery schedule for the F-35, for example.
The option of having second-hand F-16s is valid. But there is no point in considering Chinese and especially Russian options.