Brazil is in discussions with the U.S. to potentially acquire 24 Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons, following Argentina's recent deal for used F-16 fighters. A top Brazilian official informed Janes in June that the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) aims to make a decision by the end of 2024. While this has not been confirmed by BulgarianMilitary.com, it aligns with the FAB’s strategy to replace its aging aircraft.
This development is unexpected, given Brazil’s 2014 agreement with Swedish company Saab for 36 Gripen E/F fighters, valued at $5.04 billion, with deliveries expected by 2027. This contract was expanded in 2022 to include four additional jets, bringing the total to 40.
Defense Minister José Múcio, speaking at the LAAD Defense and Security event in Rio de Janeiro, mentioned that the FAB needs more Gripen fighters and is considering this option. However, economic constraints are pushing the FAB to look for more cost-effective alternatives to replace its old Mirage and AMX jets. The FAB originally planned to nearly double its Gripen fleet but is now considering cheaper options due to financial limitations.
With the AMX fleet scheduled to retire by the end of 2025 and not enough Gripens to cover the gap, the FAB is exploring the acquisition of used F-16s. Brazil previously attempted to buy F-16s from the U.S. in the early 2000s, but the deal fell through. In 2002, the U.S. offered Brazil advanced F-16s along with AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles, the first such offer to a Latin American country.
At that time, the Pentagon’s policy was to avoid introducing advanced technology to the region to prevent military imbalances and arms races. However, the offer was made in response to Peru acquiring Russian BVRAAMs. Brazil, looking to update its Mirage III jets, considered several options, including the Dassault Rafale, Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, and Saab’s Gripen NG, ultimately opting against the F-16.
The discussion of acquiring second-hand F-16s has resurfaced. Despite lacking the advanced features of the Gripen-E/F, the F-16 remains a proven and versatile fighter jet, widely used globally.
The Gripen E/F offers advanced avionics, sensor fusion technology, and a state-of-the-art electronic warfare suite, providing superior situational awareness and threat detection capabilities compared to older F-16 models. Its AESA radar offers greater range, better target tracking, and improved resistance to jamming. The Gripen E/F also boasts better fuel efficiency, extended range, and a modern digital cockpit with enhanced pilot interfaces, surpassing the older F-16 designs.
Additionally, the Gripen E/F’s open architecture design allows for easier upgrades and integration of new technologies, ensuring it remains at the forefront of advancements in avionics, weapons systems, and software, a flexibility not as prevalent in older F-16 models.
