BRASILIA, Brazil, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Representatives from Saab and the Brazilian Air Force on the proposed acquisition of Gripen NG fighter jets have been held in Brasilia this week.
The Brazilian Air Force said the discussions were the first of three rounds being undertaken before the Swedish company submits its final proposal to the government for 36 aircraft.
The three rounds of talks are to address logistical, operational, technical, offset, industrial, and commercial aspects of planned acquisition program.
Next week, the Coordinating Committee of the air force's Military Combat Aircraft Program will meet with representatives of the Swedish government. Talks will focus on the temporary use of Gripen C and D fighters by Brazil until the NG variants arrive in the country.
The meeting will also cover the training of Brazilian pilots and ground personnel to operate Gripen aircraft.
A contract for the Gripen deal is expected to be signed by the end of the year.
The Gripen NG is a single-engine, multi-role fighter with a speed of 1,370 miles per hour and a combat of nearly 500 miles.
