Luciana Magalhaes – Wall Street Journal, 8/9/2012
BRASILIA—Brazil’s defense minister said the economic slowdown has delayed the country’s long-awaited decision to purchase a new generation of fighter jets.
“The project is not being abandoned. There will be a decision in the right time. But, today, I would prefer not to give a date,” Defense Minister Celso Amorim said in an interview. “The economic situation has taken a less-favorable turn than expected and it naturally requires caution.”
The process, which has lasted more than a decade, involves three international contenders: the Gripen NG made by Saab AB SAAB-B.SK +0.53% of Sweden; the F/A-18 Super Hornet from Boeing Co. BA -0.40% of the U.S.; and the Rafale warplane manufactured by Dassault Aviation SA of France.
