Embraer Defense and Security and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) signed a contract to modernise 11 additional F-5 jet fighters and to supply one more flight simulator for these fighters as continuation of the contract signed in 2000. These additional aircraft, recently acquired by the FAB, will receive the same configuration as those from the initial 46 F-5 jets currently completing the upgrade process. The first delivery of this second batch of upgraded jets is scheduled for 2013.

“The continuation of the F-5 fleet modernisation is clearly another good example of the confidence that FAB deposits in Embraer Defense and Security to meet their needs,” says Orlando José Ferreira Neto, Commercial Vice President, Embraer Defense and Security.

“The modernisation of this second group of F-5 jets consolidates our strategy for providing this type of service, positioning ourselves in a market niche that is of long-term importance to the customer.”

The F-5E (single-seat) and F-5F (two-seat) fighters were incorporated into the Brazilian Air Force, starting in the 1970s. The modernisation programme is centred on providing the aircraft with state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, new avionics, air-to-air refuelling system, and greater operational capability, thus extending the useful life of the aircraft for at least 15 more years.