LAAD 2015: U.S. Presence Down After Rivals Win Contracts
Saab and Embraer signed Gripen agreement at Latin American Defense and Security Show. Sagem also boosted Brazilian production.
Brazil chose the Swedish Gripen to meet the F-X2 requirement. Embraer will be jointly responsible with Saab for development of the two-seat version of the Gripen NG. (photo: Saab)
Brazil chose the Swedish Gripen to meet the F-X2 requirement. Embraer will be jointly responsible with Saab for development of the two-seat version of the Gripen NG. (photo: Saab)

The Latin American Aerospace and Defence (LAAD) 2015 exposition in Rio de Janeiro last week saw an increase in exhibitors and attendees. But the U.S. presence was significantly reduced, after American companies failed to capture big defense projects in the region. An emblematic example is Brazil’s own F-X2 fighter competition, in which the Boeing Super Hornet lost to the Saab Gripen NG. At the show, the Swedish company signed an agreement with Embraer for joint management of the F-X2 project.