• Brazil awards a $4.5 billion contract to Saab
— “The NSA problem ruined it for the Americans”

Slovakia is planning to acquire new fighter jets for its air force, according to Slovak Defense Minister Martin Glvac.  

The Slovak Defense Ministry is most likely to lease Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighters from Sweden, Defence News said, referring to local newspaper SME. The aircraft have been leased by the Czech Republic, and Bratislava and Prague are reportedly discussing the establishment of a joint squadron, should Slovakia lease the Gripens from Sweden.

The country has initiated talks with the Swedish Defence and Security Export Agency with a aim of buying or leasing Gripen aircraft, Swedish business daily Dagens Industri said.

Last month, Brazil awarded a $4.5 billion contract to Swedish defense company Saab AB to replace its aging fleet of fighter jets, a surprise coup for the Swedish company after news of U.S. spying on Brazilians helped derail Boeing’s chances for the deal.