Saab expands co-operation with Akaer in Brazil
Saab strengthens and improves the relation with Akaer through a financial investment to the equivalent of 15 percent share holding in the company.The expanded co-operation creates a strategic long term collaboration whereby Saab will also be part of Akaer's Advisory Board.
Saab and Akaer have been partners since 2007 when Akaer was assigned responsibility to design specific work packages for Gripen NG , and the existing partnership will now be further expanded with investment in Akaer.
“Akaer has achieved outstanding progress in aeronautical engineering and commercial achievements in a highly competitive industry. Together we can further explore business possibilities both inBraziland internationally. Our co-operation will also be strengthened by meeting technical and commercial objectives from the Gripen NG project related to current work packages,” says Saab´s Senior Vice President Dan Jangblad
Akaer will stay independent and be controlled and managed by the Brazilian founder and management, and Saab will be part of Akaer's Advisory Board. This movement is totally in line with the new Brazilian law related to the Brazilian Defense Industry.
“Akaer and Saab share aero structural synergies and together we can meet the demands in aero structures assemblies to the aerospace industry. I am certain our partnership will guarantee both quality and long-term business," says Cesar da Silva, CEO Akaer
This investment is yet another important step towards further future design, development and production of Gripen NG inBrazil. Another important strategic aspect of this partnership will be the enhanced participation in various Brazilian aerospace and defense programs and wider access to the export market..
Brazilis an important and growing market for Saab, and with this growing partnership with Brazilian industry, Saab can together deliver key next generation technical and military capabilities providing for national autonomy in future design, development and operation.
Background
Akaer is a Brazilian engineering company that has been operating since 1992 in the segments aerospace and defense, having participated of the main programs in these segments in bothBraziland abroad, offering services of high technological content and innovative solutions. Its main focus is the development of aero-structures, as well as management of turnkey projects, offering complete solutions with a commitment and creativity through an experienced and trained team. Akaer is recognized today by the main actors of this segment as one of the main Brazilian engineering companies with global operations.
Saab and Akaer have been partner since 2007. In October 2009 an agreement was signed between Akaer and Saab regarding Akaer participation in the Gripen NG development program. The purpose of the agreement was to lay the foundations for good co-operation between the two companies and to support Saab's development and production for the rear fuselage, mid fuselage and wing including main landing gear doors for Gripen NG. Immediately after the agreement signature, a team of Brazilian engineers from Akaer were stationed inSweden to acquaint themselves with the NG project to participate in the development and to learn about Saab's requirements and methods in the form of technology transfer through "on the job training".
During 2010 Akaer facilities inBrazilwere prepared and certified for work activities related to Gripen NG development, including special security controlled areas equipped with advanced network systems connected with Saab inSweden. A team fromSwedeninitiated development work at Akaer with the opening of a local Saab office inSao Paulo. The Akaer team participated in the conception phase including design, tooling and industrialization and on the 20 October 2010 Akaer released to Saab the first 3D model and production drawing of the Gripen NG in Sao Jose de Campos.
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Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.