Brazil completes F-5 modernisation programme
Fifteen-year upgrade programme reaches its conclusion
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has taken delivery from Embraer of the last of 49 modernised F-5E/F Tiger II fighter aircraft, following the completion of flight tests and instrumentation certification.
The programme to modernise the Tiger fleet (designated F-5EM/FM in Brazil) with new avionics and other embedded software began in 2005. This work ‘provided a significant technological evolution for Brazilian air defence, with the implementation of new armaments and the doctrinal introduction of BVR [beyond visual range] combat’, the FAB noted on 16 October.
While many countries (such as Austria, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sudan and Vietnam) have phased their F-5 fleets out of service in recent years, the FAB is the third-largest operator of the aircraft behind the South Korean and Taiwanese air forces.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium’s star is on the rise]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium’s star is on the rise
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
![Saudi Arabia “considering its options” with potential 100 Kaan jet acquisition]()
Saudi Arabia “considering its options” with potential 100 Kaan jet acquisition
Despite local media reports, an analyst has suggested that the country could be using these discussions as a way to gain bargaining power to bolster its bid to join the Global Combat Air Programme.
-
![Boeing wins $615 million USAF contract for F-15 electronic warfare system production]()
Boeing wins $615 million USAF contract for F-15 electronic warfare system production
Work on the F-15 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) kit production is expected to conclude by 2030. It will provide the USAF’s F-15E and F-15EX aircraft with the latest electronic warfare (EW) countermeasure system.
-
![Leonardo unveils new design of uncrewed Proteus demonstrator]()
Leonardo unveils new design of uncrewed Proteus demonstrator
According to Leonardo, the rotorcraft will conduct its first flight by mid-2025, following on from its £60 million (US$ 75 million) contract award in July 2022.
