Saab has selected a Brazilian company for simulators, training systems and ground support systems for Gripen fighters for the Brazilian Air Force.

The fighters -- 36 in all -- will mainly be built in Brazil under a contract that came into effect last year.

The Brazilian company to produce the simulators and traing systems is Atech Negocios em Tecnologia S/A, Saab said, and is an example of Saab's commitment to deliver industrial cooperation as part of the Brazilian Gripen NG program.

Atech engineers will relocate next month to Sweden to conduct initial training.

"Saab and Atech enter into a partnership regarding the development simulators, training systems and ground support systems for Gripen NG," said Mikael Franzn, program director for Gripen Brazil at Saab. "We will provide technology transfer within these areas to Atech and we now welcome the first team of Atech engineers for training in developing the Gripen system."

Gripen Next Generation combat aircraft are to be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force beginning in 2019.