Brazilian Air Force News
2018
31 July 2018 | Flight Global
Embraer delays KC-390 delivery to FAB to 2019
Embraer now plans to complete flight testing and deliver the first production version of the KC-390 to the Brazilian air force up to six months late in the first half of 2019, a company executive says on 31 July.
2017
22 May 2017 | Airbus Helicopters
The Brazilian Armed Forces take delivery of two H225Ms
The first one –destined to the Army- has been delivered in the full operational configuration, including specially designed mission systems unique to the Army. Based in Taubaté and operated by the 1º BAvEx, this is the ninth H225M to integrate the Brazilian Army’s fleet. The second one – in full operational configuration for Combat SAR – has been delivered to the Air Force and will be based in Río de Janeiro to be operated by the 3º/8º GAV. This delivery brings the Air Force’s H225M fleet to 12 helicopters. In the last few weeks Helibras has delivered two H225Ms to the Brazilian Armed Forces. Two additional ones will be delivered this year...
15 February 2017 | Combat Aircraft
End of the line for Brazil’s carrier
The Brazilian Navy’s sole aircraft carrier, the only vessel of its type in Latin American service, is to be decommissioned, according to a statement from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense.
2015
1 July 2015 | IHS Jane's
Brazil to receive new search and rescue C295 aircraft in 2017
The Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira: FAB) is to receive three Airbus Defence and Space (DS) C295 (C-105 Amazonas in national service) transport aircraft configured for the search and rescue (SAR) mission in 2017, it disclosed on 1 July. The aircraft, designated SC-105 in the SAR role, will feature electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and internal mission equipment for day and night operations over land and sea. Specifically, an Elta EL/M-2022A(V)3 surface-search radar...
27 May 2015 | IHS Jane's
First upgraded Skyhawk jet handed over to Brazil
The Brazilian Navy took delivery of its first upgraded Douglas AF-1 Skyhawk from aerospace conglomerate Embraer on 26 May under the A-4BR programme. The single-seat AF-1 has now been redesignated AF-1B and is expected to remain in service until 2028. The upgraded twin-seat aircraft will be
3 February 2015 | Flight Global
Embraer KC-390 takes maiden flight
The KC-390, Embraer’s clean-sheet aerial refueling tanker, flew for the first time on 3 February from an airfield in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
2014
22 December 2014 | Defense-Aerospace
Helibras Returns Upgraded Helos to Brazilian Army
Helibras recently delivered the first four AS-550A2 Fennec and AS-350L1 Esquilo to the Army Aviation, after they complete a rebuilding and modernization process at the company's factory in Itajubá (MG). The aircraft are part of the modernization contract for the Force’s 36 Fennec and Squirrel helicopters. Three of them will be rebuilt and modernized, and the other 33 will only be modernized.
19 December 2014 | Flight Global
Embraer KC-390 will fly in January
Embraer has scheduled the first flight of the KC-390 aerial refueling tanker for early January.
7 December 2014 | IHS Jane's
Brazil receives final Mi-35M helo
The Brazilian Air Force (Forca Aerea Brasileira - FAB) has received the last of 12 Mil Mi-35M (AH-2 Sabre) assault helicopters, the service announced on 3 December. The final three Mi-35M helicopters were delivered to Porto Velho Air Base in the Amazonas region of northwestern Brazil...
4 December 2014 | Defense-Aerospace
Final Mi-35Ms Delivered to Brazil
They Brazilian Air Force’s last three AH-2 Sabre helicopters arrived in Porto Velho (RO state) on November 26 aboard an Antonov 124 cargo aircraft flying from Russia. With this delivery, the Poti Squadron has completed its allocation of twelve AH-2 Sabre helicopters, the first of which were recei...
20 November 2014 | Flight Global
Brazil begins flight training on Gripen
The first two Brazilian pilots to undergo training for the Saab Gripen NG multirole fighter have completed their first flight on the type: a 50min training sortie conducted over the Baltic Sea on 19 November.
26 October 2014 | IHS Jane's
Brazil signs for 36 Gripen E/F fighters
Brazil has signed a SEK39.3 billion (USD5.4 billion) contract for 36 Gripen E/F fighters, the company announced on 27 October. The contract, which was signed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) through the Aeronautics Command (COMAER), follows a decision by the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira - FAB) to select the Swedish-built fighter to fulfil its F-X2 requirement in December 2013. Starting from 2019, the FAB will take delivery of 28 single-seat Gripen E and eight twin-seat Gripen F aircraft. Deliveries are set to run through to 2024.
21 October 2014 | IHS Jane's
Embraer rolls out first KC-390 prototype
Embraer rolled out the first of two KC-390 prototype transport aircraft at its Gaviao Peixoto production facility, north of Sao Paulo, on 21 October. The ceremony, which was attended by officials from 32 countries, marked a major milestone in the programme ahead of the maiden flight, currently
28 July 2014 | Flight Global
Final modernised P-3 Orion delivered to Brazil
Airbus Defence & Space has delivered the last of nine Lockheed P-3 Orion anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft it has upgraded for the Brazilian air force.
28 July 2014 | Flight Global
Brazil signs for three SAR-roled C295s
Brazil has ordered three search and rescue-configured Airbus C295s for operation by the nation’s air force.
28 July 2014 | Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus deliveres final modernized P-3 Orion to Brazilian Air Force
Airbus Defence and Space has delivered the last of nine P-3 Orion anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft modernised with new systems and avionics for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The aircraft has been ferried from Seville, Spain to Salvador de Bahía, Brazil, where it will be based.
2 July 2014 | AgustaWestland
Brazilian Navy Signs Contract for Lynx Mk21A Upgrade
AgustaWestland announced that the Brazilian Navy’s Naval Aviation has signed a contract for a major midlife upgrade of eight Lynx Mk21A helicopters. The contract, valued in excess of US$160 million (€117 million), includes replacement of the aircraft’s engines with the CTS800-4N product from LHTEC, navigation, displays suite and mission avionics. A comprehensive support and training package that includes a Flight Training Device is also included in the contract. The upgrade activities will begin in mid-2015 at AgustaWestland’s plant in Yeovil, United Kingdom, with the first helicopter scheduled to be delivered back to the customer in the Autumn of 2017. The complete batch of upgraded aircraft is planned to be delivered by early 2019.
17 June 2014 | IHS Jane's
Brazilian Navy receives first domestically-built EC725 helo
The Brazilian Navy has received into service the first EC725 helicopter manufactured in-country by Airbus Helicopters subsidiary Helibras, it was announced on 17 June. Delivery of the helicopter on 13 June brings the number of EC725s now operational with the Brazilian armed forces to 12...
27 May 2014 | Flight Global
Brazil to add third converted 767 tanker
Brazil is to sign a revised contract soon to add a third converted Boeing 767-300 tanker to its air force inventory, according to Israeli defence sources
21 May 2014 | Flight Global
Embraer gets firm order for 28 KC-390s from Brazil
During a public unveiling of Embraer’s KC-390 final assembly site in Gavião Peixoto, Sao Paulo, Embraer President Frederico Curado signed a firm order with the Brazilian Air Force for the supply of 28 production KC-390 tactical transport/tanker aircraft.
25 April 2014 | Flight Global
Helibras enters double figures with EC725 deliveries
Helibras has delivered the tenth and eleventh EC725 helicopters to Brazil’s armed forces under its 2008 tri-service contract for 50 units.
4 February 2014 | IHS Jane's
Saab confirms twin-seat Gripen F development for Brazil
Saab has confirmed to IHS Jane's that Brazil's aerospace industry will be given the opportunity to develop a two-seater version of the Gripen NG as part of the USD4.5 million consignment of 36 fighter aircraft ordered by the country. [...] Out of the 36 fighter jets under the FAB F-X2 programme, eight of the aircraft will be twin-seat Gripen Fs and the rest will be in the single-seat Gripen Es.
28 January 2014 | IHS Jane's
Brazilian P-3AM upgrade to complete in 'coming months'
Airbus Defence and Space (DS) is to deliver back to the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira) (FAB) "in the coming months" the last of nine Lockheed Martin P-3AM Orion maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) it has been upgrading, an official told IHS Jane's in late January. The
16 January 2014 | Defense-Aerospace
First Swedish-Brazilian Meeting on Gripen Buy
BRASILIA --- Defense Minister Celso Amorim on Wednesday afternoon hosted the Swedish Secretary of State for Defence, Carl von der Esch, and his delegation to exchange information on the progress of the purchase by Brazil of 36 Swedish Gripen NG fighters. At the meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence, in Brasília (DF), Amorim again said that the choice of aircraft by the Brazilian government was based on three criteria: price, technology transfer and performance. And that the decision had not prioritized the political aspect, but the technical aspects of the aircraft.
2013
23 December 2013 | Defense-Aerospace
Brazil May Lease Gripen Cs As Mirages Retire
Brazil is interested in leasing or buying second-hand Gripen C/D fighters until the new-generation Gripen E it has selected as its new fighter enters service in 2018. Initial deliveries will go to Sweden, however, and first deliveries to Brazil are not expected until two years later, ...
18 December 2013 | MILAVIA News
Brazil selects Gripen NG for F-X2 Requirement
The Saab Gripen NG has been selected as the new fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira - FAB). The announcement was made by Defence Minister, Celso Amorim, at a press conference on Wednesday 18 December 2013 in Brasilia.
12 December 2013 | IHS Jane's
French president pledges 100% technology transfer to back Dassault F-X2 bid
French President François Hollande took advantage of an official visit to Brazil during the week of 9-13 December to re-open discussions on the sale of the Dassault Rafale in a bid to secure the contract for supplying the 36 F-X2 aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force. In doing so, Hollande
25 November 2013 | Flight Global
Helibras flies first locally produced EC725
Helibras, Eurocopter's Brazilian subsidiary, on 21 November performed the maiden sortie of the first EC725 to be entirely produced in-country, around two months ahead of schedule.
7 November 2013 | ACC
U.S. Airmen arrive for air exercise in Brazil
11/7/2013 - NATAL AIR BASE, Brazil -- The U.S. Air Force is taking part in Cruzeiro do Sul Exercise, a Brazilian air exercise that began Nov. 4 and is scheduled to complete Nov. 15, here. The Brazilian Air Force-led exercise combines coalition aerial refueling and Combat Search and Rescue structured training with a focus on interoperability. More than 130 U.S. Airmen are participating in CRUZEX along-side participants from Canada and multiple South American countries, totaling more than 2,000 military members between all countries. There are more than 90 aircraft taking part in CRUZEX. The U.S. Air Force will participate with ...
17 October 2013 | Defense-Aerospace
Russia to Deliver Final Mi-35Ms to Brazil
BRASILIA --- Russia is planning to deliver the remaining Mi-35M Hind-E attack helicopters to Brazil under the 2008 contract in the next few months, a senior government official said Thursday. Russia has so far supplied nine out of 12 Mi-35s to the Latin American country under the deal worth $150 ...
16 October 2013 | Flight Global
Russia to pitch T-50 for Brazilian fighter deal
Moscow is to offer Brazil an opportunity for joint development of its Sukhoi T-50/PAK-FA stealth fighter as part of an unsolicited proposal for the nation's delayed F-X2 tender, a Russian official has confirmed. The proposal will be presented by a Russian delegation which is travelling to Brazil and Ecuador from 14-17 October, a source in the delegation told Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency.
5 September 2013 | Flight Global
Embraer hands over first modernised A-1M to Brazil
Embraer has delivered the first modernised A-1M subsonic attack aircraft to the Brazilian air force ...
14 August 2013 | Defense-Aerospace
Brazil Air Force Chief Defends New Fighter Procurement
In a public hearing held by the Senate on Tuesday (13/8), Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Juniti Saito defended the purchase of new fighters for the Brazilian Air Force as a key step for Brazil to maintain an adequate air defense, proportional to the country’s size, and also as an incentive to the domestic industry. "The main focus of this project is not just buying a plane off-the-shelf, but to develop it together with the selected national technology partner," he said. The report by the Coordinating Commission for the Combat Aircraft Program ...
15 March 2013 | Defense-Aerospace
IAI Wins Brazilian Tanker Competition
BRASILIA --- The Air Force Command has completed the selection process of the two large aircraft which will replace the KC-137 operated by the 2nd Squadron of the 2nd Transportation Group (2 ° / 2 ° GT). The winning proposal was made by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which will convert two Boeing 767-300ER...
13 March 2013 | DefenseNews.com
Embraer: Design Review of KC-390 To Be Completed Next Week
SAN JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil - Embraer expects to complete the critical design review of its KC-390 transport plane by next week, according to a top program official.
2012
19 December 2012 | Flight Global
PICTURES: Brazilian air force display team unveils new Super Tucano
The Brazilian air force's Esquadrilha da Fumaça (Smoke Squadron) flight demonstration team is trading in its Embraer T-27 Tucanos for new generation A-29A/B Super Tucanos.
14 December 2012 | Flight Global
Brazilian air force commissions factory for A-Darter missile, confirms specs
Brazil's air force has tasked South African manufacturer Denel with constructing a factory in São José dos Campos to build the short-range A-Darter missile....
12 December 2012 | Flight Global
Brazil keeps F-X2 fighter contest on hold until economy recovers
Brazil will keep a long-delayed acquisition of 36 fighters on hold until the national economy recovers from an ongoing slump ...
3 October 2012 | Flight Global
Eurocopter's Brazilian subsidiary opens EC725 assembly line
Helibras, Eurocopter's Brazilian subsidiary, has officially inaugurated its Itajubá final assembly line for the production of EC725s destined for the Brazilian armed forces.
3 October 2012 | Flight Global
Brazil's EC725 introduction gathers pace
Brazil's armed forces are set to receive a further three Eurocopter EC725s in 2012, as assembly rates begin to increase at Helibras, the airframer's Brazilian subsidiary.
7 July 2012 | DefenseNews.com
Brazil Again Puts Off Decision in Fighter Jet Competition
The Brazilian Air Force has asked bidders to renew their offers on a contract to provide 36 next-generation fighter jets, extending for six months a race between U.S., French and Swedish contestants.
25 April 2012 | DefenseNews.com
Brazil Would Get Tech Transfer in Boeing Buy: Panetta
Brazil will get U.S. advanced technology transfer if it buys Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet to upgrade its air force, visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said April 25.
14 February 2012 | Defense-Aerospace
Brazil Likely to Revive Rafale Buy
SAO PAULO --- Brazil is "very likely" to choose France's Rafale fighter jet to refurbish its air force, government sources say, a decision that would award one of the emerging-market world's most coveted defense contracts to a jet whose future was in doubt only two weeks ago. President Dilma Rous...
2011
14 December 2011 | Shephard
Brazil and Portugal sign KC-390 agreement
An agreement has been signed between Embraer and OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal and Empresa de Engenharia Aeronáutica (EEA), for the KC-390 military airlifter and aerial refuelling jet programme. According to Embraer, the agreement will see Portugal, through EEA, will develop the engineering project for the KC-390’s components, which will be manufactured by Embraer subsidiary OGMA.
15 April 2011 | Shephard
LAAD 2011: Brazilian Mi-35s take on the drug runners
The Brazilian Air Force's Mi-35M attack helicopters are proving themselves on anti-narcotic operations and the service is still hopeful additional numbers of the type will be procured.
14 April 2011 | Shephard
LAAD 2011: Brazilian Air Force agrees to buy surveillance radar
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has agreed to purchase four Saber M60 surveillance radar systems from Orbisat, in what marks a significant deal for the Brazilian company.
12 April 2011 | Shephard
LAAD 2011: Brazil unveils new EC725s
The Brazilian armed forces publicly unveiled its first three EC725 Cougar helicopters out of a 50 aircraft order at LAAD 2011 in Rio de Janeiro on 12 April.
11 April 2011 | Flight Global
Brazil to upgrade more F-5 fighters
AEL Sistemas has received a follow-on contract from Embraer Defense and Security to support the upgrade of 11 more Northrop F-5s for the Brazilian air force ...
4 April 2011 | Flight Global
Waiting continues for Brazil’s F-X2 contract decision
The ongoing battle for the F-X2 fighter contract took another turn when Brazil inaugurated a new president in January
2010
3 December 2010 | Shephard
Brazilian Minister of Defence views first P-3 Orion modernised by Airbus Military
The first P-3 Orion aircraft modified by Airbus Military for the Brazilian Air Force was inspected today by Brazilian Minister of Defence, Nelson Jobim, during his official visit to Spain.
22 July 2010 | Flight Global
FARNBOROUGH: Brazilian air force signs letter of intent for 28 KC-390s
Embraer has received a timely boost for the KC-390 as it starts approaching foreign governments to establish partnerships that are tied to work sharing and orders for the jet-powered airlifter and tanker.
20 April 2010 | MILAVIA News
Brazilian Air Force Formally Inducts New Mi-35 into Service as AH-2 Sabre
The Brazilian Air Force (Força Aérea Brasileira - FAB) formally inducted the newly acquired Mi-35 'Hind' into service on April 17, 2010. Named the AH-2 Sabre in FAB service, the attack helicopters will be based at Porto Velho air base, in Rondônia, equipping the second squadron of the 8º Grupo de Aviação (2/8º GAV).
26 March 2010 | Key.Aero
Brazil's Hinds handed over
Russia has delivered a first batch of Mi-35M Hind E attack helicopters to Brazil.
19 March 2010 | EADS
Eurocopter and Helibras celebrate the groundbreaking for the new EC 725 helicopter assembly line in Brazil
Eurocopter and Helibras celebrate the groundbreaking for the new EC 725 helicopter assembly line in Brazil Itajuba, Brazil - Eurocopter and its Helicópteros do Brasil-Helibras affiliate company today marked the construction start-up for a new rotary-wing center of excellence in Itajuba, Brazil, where Helibras will produce, assemble and maintain EC725 helicopters being acquired by the Brazilian armed forces.
7 January 2010 | EADS
Helibras will upgrade 34 Eurocopter helicopters for the Brazilian Army
Helibras will upgrade 34 Eurocopter helicopters for the Brazilian Army Marignane - Helicópteros do Brasil S.A.-Helibras, Eurocopter subsidiary in Brazil, signed on the 24th of December 2009 a contract to upgrade 34 AS365K Panther helicopters of the Brazilian Army Aviation. This is the largest service contract signed by the Brazilian subsidiary in more than 30 years of presence in the country. This Programme will lead to a new generation of Panther helicopters that benefit from the last technical evolutions developed by Eurocopter.
2009
2 October 2009 | Gripen International
Enhanced Gripen proposal for Brazil
Saab has submitted an update on the proposal offering 36 Gripen Next Generation (NG) to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The updated proposal fulfils all the requirements stated by Brazil to develop, manufacture, operate, maintain and upgrade an independent multi-role fighter, together with an extensive industrial package with full transfer of technology. This will give Brazil the opportunity to be involved in the development as well as to include a significant number of Brazilian suppliers in Gripen NG aircraft. “This will be a perfect match built on complementing abilities and technological excellence. A commitment from Sweden to Brazil delivers independence and not dependence. The unique industrial offset package means a direct involvement for Brazilian companies in the development, production and maintenance of Gripen NG. This will create and maintain high technology work opportunities in Brazil,” says Saab CEO Åke Svensson. The updated proposal outlines its advantages for the Brazilian Air Force and Brazilian industry and includes: A comprehensive Technology Transfer • Full access to and complete involvement in the Gripen NG development programme. • Complete Technology Transfer through joint development of the Gripen NG, giving national autonomy and independence in the design, development, manufacture and through-life support of Gripen NG and future generation fighters. • Independence in terms of choice of weapons and systems integration. • Production in Brazil of up to 80% of Gripen NG airframes. • Creation of a full Gripen NG assembly line in Brazil. • Full maintenance capability in Brazil for the Gripen NG engine. A unique competitive partnership • Brazil will have the sales lead for Gripen NG in Latin America with joint opportunities for the rest of the world. • Sweden’s commitment to take deliveries of Gripen NG aircraft in line with Brazilian time frames. • Sweden’s intention to evaluate the KC-390 transport aircraft for long-term tactical air transport needs. • Saab’s ambition to join the transport aircraft KC-390 development programme as a strategic partner, including support in international marketing. • A commitment from Saab to deliver over 175% of the total value in industrial co-operation to Brazilian industry. • Saab proposes to replace the Swedish Air Force fleet of SK 60/Saab 105 trainers with the Super Tucano. A cost-effective solution • A firm and highly competitive proposal for a long-term financing for the full FX-2 contract value from the Swedish Export Credit Corporation, a financial institution wholly owned by the Swedish Government. • Significantly lower acquisition, support and operating costs compared to the competition due to the optimised design, highly efficient manufacturing processes and ease of maintenance and support. About Gripen Next Generation When entering operation, Gripen NG will be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world utilizing the latest technology. Gripen NG is the next generation Gripen, an enhanced version of the well established multi-role fighter which has proven low acquisition, operation, and support costs. The Gripen NG programme covers development of avionics and all major sensors, including AESA radar. The aircraft will have increased thrust, increased payload, and extended range in excess of 4 000 km, whilst maintaining the lowest cost of ownership.
2007
19 September 2007 | MILAVIA News
EMBRAER Delivers 50th A-29 Super Tucano to Brazilian Air Force
Embraer delivered the 50th A-29 Super Tucano to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) on September 18, 2007.
17 August 2007 | MILAVIA News
Brazilian AMX Mid Life Upgrade Programme Starts
Embraer has recently started the AMX Mid Life Upgrade.
29 June 2007 | MILAVIA News
Brazil to Buy Six UH-60L Blackhawk Helicopters
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Brazil of UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters as well as associated equipment and services.
19 April 2007 | MILAVIA News
EMBRAER Plans to Develop New Military Transport
EMBRAER announces C-390 medium-sized military transport study.
2006
6 September 2006 | MILAVIA News
Brazilian Air Force Mirage 2000s Enter Service
The Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB - Brazilian Air Force) received the first two Mirage 2000 fighters, out of a total of 12 acquired from France. The aircraft officially entered service on September 4, 2006, with the 1º Grupo de Defesa Aérea (1º GDA), in Anapolis.
19 February 2006 | MILAVIA News
Brazil buys 9 F-5s from Saudi Arabia
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) will receive nine ex-Royal Saudi Arabia AF Northrop F-5 fighters. The package consists of six F-5E single-seat and three F-5F two-seat versions.
18 February 2006 | MILAVIA News
Brazil Invests More in the A-Darter AAM
The Brazilian Air Force is investing an additional US$ 100 million for the South African Short-range AAM missile A-Darter.
2005
14 December 2005 | MILAVIA News
FAB Mirage III Retirement
On December 14, 2005, the Brazilian Air Force officially retired its Dassault Mirage III (F-103) from operational service. In a ceremony overflowing with emotions, four F-103s performed a series of flypasts over the Anápolis AB runway and one aircraft broke the sound barrier over the Air Base.
23 September 2005 | MILAVIA News
First F-5EM Delivered
On September 21, 2005 the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) received its first upgraded Northrop F-5EM from Embraer.
29 April 2005 | MILAVIA News
Brazil contracts EADS CASA for C-295 and P-3 upgrade
The Brazilian government and EADS CASA have signed two important contracts: one where EADS CASA will supply Brazil with C-295 military transport aircraft, and in the second contract EADS CASA will modernize Brazil’s fleet of P-3 maritime patrol aircraft.
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