After a decade of discussion, Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff announced Wednesday the acquisition of 36 Gripen NG fighter jets, from Sweden’s Saab (STO:SAAB- B) , for the FX-2 program of the Brazilian Air Force. Boeing was considered the stronger bid, but following the revelation that the U.S. National Security Agency had been spying on Brazilian officials and companies, including on the president herself, the relationship between Brazil and the U.S. frayed. Rousseff even canceled a visit to the White House, scheduled for September, as a show of protest.Therefore, Gripen, which was initially criticized for its smaller size and for not being tested enough in combat, ended up getting the crown. The 36 planes were offered for $6 billion, but Brazilian officials believe the final cost can go down to $5 billion.
