The largest military investment in Brazil's history: 57,2 billion reais to revolutionize air defense and double its fleet with Gripen fighters and C-390 aircraft!
In a historic step towards strengthening In the area of national defense, Brazil has announced an ambitious plan to double its air fleet with an investment of R$57,2 billion. This effort includes the acquisition of Gripen fighters and C-390 aircraft, providing the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) with technological and operational capabilities that are unprecedented in the country.
An unprecedented investment program
The Brazilian government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, plans to allocate a total of 57,2 billion reais, equivalent to approximately 10,6 billion dollars, to research, development and acquisition projects for military equipment. Within this budget, one of the main focuses is the expansion of the Gripen fighter fleet and support for local aeronautical projects, such as the development of aerial refueling aircraft by Embraer, a national manufacturer.
This announcement, made in August 2023, is part of the relaunch of the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), an initiative that had already been implemented during Lula da Silva's first two terms in office, between 2002 and 2010. The PAC aims to revitalize and strengthen several key areas for the country's development, with a special focus on defense. The overall program projects a total expenditure of R$1,7 trillion in several areas, including defense as a fundamental pillar for national security and sovereignty.
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The PAC and its relevance in defense
The PAC was designed as a federal investment program that does not require congressional approval, since it is funded directly with government resources, in addition to contributions from states and the private sector through concessions. However, the defense sector relies heavily on public funds, which could pose long-term financial challenges. According to Cristiano Noronha, vice president of the consulting firm Arko Advice, which specializes in political intelligence and strategic analysis, the success of this ambitious program will depend largely on the government's fiscal capacity.
“The government has been making budget cuts over the years, so the viability of these projects will depend on factors such as control of public spending and the country's economic growth,” explained Noronha in an interview with the specialized media outlet. Defense News. He added that while the PAC plan represents a great opportunity, it could also be perceived as a “declaration of intent” if the fiscal and bureaucratic obstacles that typically hinder large public projects are not overcome.
Gripen fighters: modernizing the combat fleet
One of the most prominent components of the plan is the production and acquisition of 34 F-39 Gripen fighters, which will nearly double the Brazilian Air Force’s current fleet. Brazil signed an initial $5,04 billion contract with Swedish manufacturer Saab in 2014 for the purchase of 36 Gripen fighters, with deliveries scheduled through 2027. However, in 2022, the deal was expanded to include four additional units, for a total of 40 aircraft. investment
To date, Brazil has received six Gripen aircraft, four of which are already in operation. A key part of this agreement is the transfer of technology between Brazilian and Swedish engineers, allowing Brazil not only to receive the aircraft but also to produce some of them on national territory. According to the agreement, 15 of the fighters will be assembled at Embraer's factory located in Gavião Peixoto, in the state of São Paulo. The inauguration of the Gripen production line at this plant took place in May 2023, marking an important milestone in the technological cooperation between Saab and Brazil.
The Minister of Defense, Jose Mucio Monteiro Jr., highlighted that the renewal of the fighter fleet is one of the main projects of the PAC. “The Gripen is the most modern fighter aircraft in Latin America. This acquisition will allow Brazil to significantly increase its air defense capacity, which is crucial given the size and territorial complexity of the country,” said the minister during a press conference.
C-390 Millennium expansion and new strategic capabilities
In addition to the Gripen fighters, another essential project under the PAC is the acquisition of nine C-390 Millennium aircraft, manufactured by Embraer. Initially known as KC-390, these aircraft represent one of the most advanced platforms in terms of military transport and can be adapted to perform several functions, including aerial refueling. Embraer is also working on the development of a new version of the C-390 specifically for refueling missions.
Minister José Mucio Monteiro Filho highlighted the versatility of the C-390 during the announcement of the PAC. “It not only plays a fundamental role in the military sphere, but the C-390 can also be used in humanitarian aid missions both nationally and internationally, supporting emergency situations and fighting fires,” he explained.
The C-390 has been internationally recognized for its multi-role mission capability and advanced technology. This aircraft has already been selected by several air forces around the world, reinforcing Embraer’s reputation as one of the leading manufacturers of military and commercial aircraft worldwide.
Airbus A330 aircraft: beyond military transport
The Brazilian government also revealed plans to convert two Airbus A330 aircraft into platforms that can perform both aerial refueling and air medical transport functions. These aircraft will be used to support military and civilian operations, expanding the Air Force's response capacity in a variety of situations.
This decision to convert the Airbus A330s responds to the need to have a more flexible fleet that can be used in strategic missions, not only in the military context, but also in rescue and medical assistance operations over long distances.
A future of investments for Brazilian defense
With these acquisitions and the significant increase in the capabilities of the Brazilian Air Force, Lula da Silva’s government is committed to strengthening the country’s defense, ensuring that Brazil is at the forefront of military technology in Latin America. Although the success of the PAC will depend on economic and fiscal factors, the plan has the potential to transform the country’s military structure, increasing its deterrence and response capabilities in an increasingly complex global scenario.
Strengthening the Air Force with aircraft such as the Gripen and C-390 reinforces Brazil's commitment to its sovereignty and its ability to project air power in the region, ensuring that the country is prepared for the challenges of the XNUMXst century.