Boeing-Embraer Deal Is Deeply Concerning, Says Company That Manufactures Brazilian Army Jets

01/26/2018 - 11h03

Swedish company Saab, which manufactures the Brazilian Air Force's fighter aircrafts, told the Brazilian government that it is "deeply concerned" about the negotiations that are taking place between Boeing and Embraer - which will participate in the company's production of aircrafts in Brazil.

If Saab finds that it runs the risk of having its industrial secrets leaked to its American competitor, it may revisit its contract.

On Tuesday (the 23rd), Folha reported that a delegation of Swedish executives, led by Saab president Hakan Buskhe, conveyed its concerns to Defense Minister Raul Jungmann as well as to officials who are monitoring the negotiation process.

"This discussion led to deep concerns back in Sweden, given that Saab is just as strategic to the country as Embraer is to Brazil", Mr. Buskhe told reporters after the meeting.

According to Jungmann, the government will inform the Swedish company of any repercussions that the negotiation could have on the Gripen aircraft program and that it will also use its veto power over Embraer dealings in order to assure that "all safeguards will be obeyed in the event that a deal is made".

"We absolutely want this partnership to continue. We have never implemented a technology transfer as significant as the one we have offered Brazil", Mr. Buskhe said.

Boeing did not comment on the matter, although Folha has learned that the company would like to work out a way to handle any and all sensitive issues that Brazil puts forward.

Translated by THOMAS MATHEWSON

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