Saab has so far delivered eleven aircraft to Brazil, with one used for research and certification and the remaining ten assigned to the first operational squadron. Brazil is awaiting a further twenty five aircraft, with deliveries from next year to include jets produced on the new licensed final assembly line built in the country.
Officials have noted that positive operational results may lead to an additional order of aircraft. The Brazilian line may also support work on the contract signed with Colombia, with some production potentially carried out locally.
Alongside the aircraft, Brazil purchased a wide range of suspended weaponry that includes the MBDA Meteor missile. With this acquisition, the Brazilian Air Force is positioned to become the strongest air arm on the continent, supported by a 2019 contract covering about one hundred Meteor missiles.
