Russia may offer Brazil license-based production of fifth generation fighter

Moscow: Russia is in discussions with noted Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer for license- production of its fighter aircraft, including its fifth-generation PAK-FA fighter, a senior Russian government official said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

"We are discussing with the well-known Brazilian company Embraer the transfer of technology and the construction of facilities for the future licensed production of the aircraft, including the fifth-generation fighter," said Alexander Fomin, deputy director of the Federal Service on Military-Technical Cooperation.

The PAK-FA, referred to in India as the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) is being developed by the Sukhoi design bureau, a component of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), in partnership with Indian aerospace giant Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

Both these parties had signed a preliminary inter-governmental agreement in October 2007.

Russian sources have said that the first prototype of the aircraft will make its maiden flight before the end of 2009.

Russia and Brazil have already signed a series of agreements on military technology cooperation emphasizing the protection of intellectual property rights and technology secrets last year.

Russia has entered the Su-35 jet fighter as its candidate in an international tender for the supply of over 100 fighters to the Brazilian Air Force.

"We are actively participating in the Brazilian tender, which has been reopened. It involves over 100 fighter planes. Russia has made a bid in the tender with its Su-35 multirole fighter. The tender has stiff requirements, involving not only the sale, but also the transfer of technology. It is a key condition of the deal and Russia is ready to satisfy it," Fomin said.