Embraer Defense & Security has delivered its first modernised AF-1 (AF-1B) fighter jet to the Brazilian Navy at its industrial plant in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil.
The AF-1 programme will see the revitalisation and upgrade of 12 subsonic jets, including nine AF-1 single-seaters, and three AF-1A two-seaters.
Brazilian Navy commander fleet admiral Eduardo Bacellar Leal Ferreira said: "For the Brazilian Navy, the modernisation of the AF-1 aircraft at Embraer is another important step in capacitating base of Brazil’s defence industry,
"The results achieved will allow naval aviation to operate an aircraft with state-of-the-art sensors and equipment, representing a large forward leap in the navy’s capacity."
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As part of the modernisation, the intercept and attack airplane fleet received new navigation, weapons, power, tactical communications and sensor systems, along with computers, and multimode art radar.
It also includes the supply of briefing and debriefing stations. These are already being used for the training and proficiency of pilots of the VF-1 Falcão Squadron to enhance their use, minimise costs, and to deliver greater effectiveness to mission planning and execution.
Embraer Defense & Security president and CEO Jackson Schneider said: "This is the first contract for systems integration that we have signed with the Brazilian Navy and, therefore, is a landmark in our relations.
"The modernisation of the AF-1 was a significant technological challenge, since it is a platform that we did not develop."
With this programme, the upgraded jet fighters will be able to continue operating until 2025.
Image: Embraer will upgrade 12 subsonic jets including nine AF-1 single-seaters and three AF-1A two-seaters. Photo: courtesy of EMBRAER SA.
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