JAKARTA - Brazil late last month unveiled its first domestically produced supersonic fighter jet, marking a major step towards an elite group of countries capable of producing advanced fighter planes.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva inaugurated the F-39E Gripen fighter jet from the Swedish group Saab in a launch ceremony in Gaviao Peixoto, Sao Paulo State.
The Brazilian presidency said the supersonic jet's development is "unprecedented in Latin America."
"This project allows us to consolidate our deterrent power by increasing our ability to ensure national sovereignty and regional security," Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Mucio said during the ceremony, launching Daily Sabah from AFP (1/4).
Brazil is known to have ordered 36 supersonic fighter jets from Saab, 15 of which will be produced at the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer's facility in Gaviao Peixoto.
The Samba State chose the Swedish aircraft over the Rafale from France's Dassault Aviation and the F/A-18 Super Hornet from the United States company Boeing.
The deal - which was reached in 2014 - was tainted by corruption allegations. President Lula was accused of receiving around one million dollars to help Saab win the tender during his first term.
However, investigations in Brazil and Sweden were closed without evidence of wrongdoing found by Saab, while the case against President Lula was dismissed.
Brazil is known to have highlighted the importance of increasing defense capabilities in a turbulent geopolitical landscape.
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