Saab increases stake in Akaer

Saab now has a 25 percent share of Brazil’s Akaer, having recently acquired another 10 percent of stakes, the company announced on 23 January.

Saab and Akaer have worked together since 2008. The Brazilian company developed parts of the fuselage of the Gripen NG fighter. 

Saab’s investment in Akaer began in May 2012. With the support of Saab’s investment, Akaer has acquired the assets of the space and defense division of the Brazilian optronics company Opto Eletrônica - renamed as OPTO Space & Defense. 

Akaer's goal is to ensure that the optronic technologies developed by OPTO are kept under the control of a Brazilian strategic defence company. Akaer will also expand its access to international markets and develop dual application products to keep it financially sustainable and to expand its technologies.

Ulf Nilsson, head of Saab business area aeronautics, said: ‘Our partnership with Akaer is long-term and by exchanging knowledge, we want to expand our co-operation. 

‘The partnership brings mutual benefits and allows us to take another step in the technology transfer programme and in the development of the Brazilian defence industry. We have come to Brazil to stay and this also means to support our partners.’