Program Will Upgrade 12 Navy AF-1, AF-1A Jets

Embraer signed a contract this week to modernize 12 Brazilian Navy jets -- nine AF-1s (single-seat) and three AF-1As (two-seat). The ceremony took place during the seventh edition of the Latin America Aero and Defence (LAAD) trade fair, held at Riocentro.

This is the first large-scale program between Embraer and the Navy, and its sole objective is to technologically upgrade the 12 aircraft.

"Embraer is honored by the confidence of the Brazilian Navy, and receives it as a new distinguished defense customer among over 20 armed forces which currently operate its aircraft around the world." said Frederico Fleury Curado, Embraer President & CEO. "By choosing Embraer, the Navy is making an important contribution to consolidating the technological and industrial capacity of Brazil for modernizing military aircraft."

The 12 US-sourced aircraft to be modernized are known, worldwide, as the A-4 Skyhawk. This upgrading will fully restore the operating capacity of the Navy's 1st Intercept and Attack Plane Squadron, for their joint mission with the naval and navy air force groups in the Nation's defense. The program includes restoring the aircraft and their current systems, as well as implementing new avionics, radar, power production, and autonomous oxygen generating systems.

This contract demonstrates Embraer's commitment to offer its customers modern products, with advanced technology and quality services. The Company has recently worked on upgrading the Brazilian Air Force's F-5 and A-1 (AMX) fighter jets. With this program, Embraer, in conjunction with the Brazilian Navy and Air Force, as well as the Ministry of Defense, fulfills its role in assuring gains in technological capability and in generating highly qualified jobs in Brazil.

FMI: www.embraer.com.br/