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A Czech Air Force C-390 on display at the Farnborough Airshow.
FARNBOROUGH, England—Embraer is considering adding a missile-launch capability to the KC-390 tanker transport and is also set to expand production of Saab Gripen fighters, the Brazilian company’s CEO for defense says.
Embraer in March rolled out the first F-39E Gripen assembled on Brazilian soil under an initial deal covering 16 aircraft for the local air force. That has now expanded through an agreement that will see Embraer build 20 more Gripen fighters at the complex in Gaviao Peixoto in Sao Paulo state, said Bosco da Costa Junior, Embraer's defense boss.
“This is for the international market, not the Brazilian Air Force,” he told reporters at the Farnborough Airshow.
Embraer also disclosed upgrade plans to its KC-390 in partnership with Anduril. The two companies signed an agreement for potential integration of the pallet-launched Barracuda-500M cruise missile on the transport.
“We are receiving this demand from several countries around the globe,” da Costa told reporters, noting company engineers are already working together on the effort.
The effort comes at a time other airlift makers also are looking at offering their aircraft to fire missiles, including Airbus with its A400M.
Embraer also said it has kicked off work on the first KC-390s for its latest customer, the United Arab Emirates, which has agreed to buy 10 aircraft and has options for 10 more, either for itself or that could be made available to others. The initial two aircraft for the UAE are due for delivery in 2028.
Da Costa also disclosed upgrade plans for the A-29 Super Tucano after Embraer previously said it was looking to add a counter-drone capability to the light attack aircraft. Among the upgrades now on the agenda are a large cockpit display and a new video datalink, as well as the ability to fire laser-guided Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles.
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