[electronic translation] An agreement established between Airbus Helicopters and Saab Grintek Defense generated new business for Saab in Brazil.

The company’s sensor laboratory, in São Bernardo do Campo (SP), will be responsible for the maintenance, repair and operations of the IDAS (Integrated Defense Aid Suite) of military helicopters manufactured in the country by Helibras, a subsidiary of Airbus Helicopters.

IDAS is an electronic warfare self-protection system produced by Saab that integrates sensors capable of alerting the crew of an aircraft about threats and automatically triggering defensive countermeasures such as the Chaff & Flare launchers. The system is installed by Helibras on military aircraft operating in the Brazilian Navy, Army and Air Force. With the agreement, the sensors will be maintained by the manufacturer, in the national territory.

This is the first major project in Saab’s new sensor and services laboratory, built to maintain AESA radars and electronic warfare systems for Gripen fighters in Brazil. For Gustavo Alves, operations manager at the Sensors and Services unit, the new business is a direct result of the Brazilian Gripen Program and all the knowledge acquired through an extensive technology transfer process.

“The maintenance contract consolidates our commitment to preserving high-level skills and talent in Brazil. In addition to maintaining the radars of the aircraft we manufacture, our laboratory has full capacity for other projects, such as supporting operators of Saab’s radar and electronic warfare systems in Brazil and Latin America,” said Alves.

“We are proud of this business move as it will ensure Saab enhances its support offering to our end user. Satisfying our customers remains a vital part of our strategic intent,” says Dr. Nivan Moodley, Vice President, Head of Strategy and Business Development at Saab Grintek Defence.

The agreement was signed globally at the end of last year, strengthening Saab Brasil’s position as a support facility for self-protection and electronic warfare equipment.