Brazil is moving ahead boldly to modernize their air force. Brazil has committed $2.7 billion to modernize its Air Force by 2007. This will include 24 new fighters, contenders including the F-16, French Mirage-2000-5-II, Russian Su-35, and Swedish JAS39 Gryphon. Brazil is upgrading 48 of its old F-5E Tiger fighters and has ordered 76 new ALX Super Tucano armed light attack trainers. A new light transport aircraft will be selected; contenders include the Spanish C-295, Russian An-32, and US C27J Spartan. A new heavy helicopter will be bought later but requirements remain undefined. --Stephen V Cole