Brazilian Air Force (FAB)

Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force have agreed to deepen studies of a surveillance variant of the C-390 to focus on maritime patrol, the company said Dec. 3.

Brazil’s use of the Gripen at Cruzex was closely observed by neighbors who are planning to update their fighter fleets.

Saab North America, Inc., received a subpoena from the Justice Department about the 2014 deal, but the parent company did not elaborate on details.

The Brazilian manufacturer has had some success selling its military transport internationally, but the biggest campaigns are yet to come.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

Embraer confirmed studies of a maritime patrol E190-E2 variant in November, showing a version carrying Exocet or Mansup anti-ship missiles on belly stations.

Italy has retired the long-serving AMX light combat aircraft after 35 years of operations, leaving Brazil as the last operator of the type.

Saudi Arabia and India will test the new appeal of the Embraer tanker-transport in a tactical airlift market long monopolized by Lockheed Martin.

The move will help the UAE company focus new products on the Latin American market with a special focus on Brazil.

Textron Aviation has won type certification from the National Civil Aviation Authority of Brazil (ANAC) for its Cessna 408 SkyCourier utility turboprop.

A request for information published on July 10 by the Brazilian Army Commission requests pricing data for two types of loitering munitions.

Brazil’s largest defense company studies options for partnering on next-generation fighters and developing light utility transports.

A five-year-old plan to in-source major airpower capabilities is threatened by political, economic and industrial forces.

The four aerostructures, including the wing and fuselage sections, are being delivered to Embraer’s final assembly line in Gavial Peixoto, Sao Paulo state.

As development starts winding down, Saab’s Gripen E unit is focusing on improving the global fleet of C/D models and starting to consider what comes next.

A memorandum of understanding signed on April 23 by the FAB and the Brazilian manufacturer launches a study and evaluation of the “necessary capabilities for the conceptual deisgn and development of advanced” UAS.

The Brazilian government has released the first concept images and new details of a hybrid-electric-powered aircraft being studied by Embraer to replace the Air Force’s fleet of aging 15-30-seat airlifters.

Completed structures will be delivered to the Saab final assembly line in Linköping, Sweden.

The Brazilian air force on June 27 accepted delivery of the third operational Embraer KC-390 tanker-transport, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Carlos de