Stockholm  - Brazil has been presented a tender for 36 Swedish Gripen jet fighters, Swedish defence group Saab said Monday.

The offer comprises the next generation (NG) of the Saab Gripen, a multi-role fighter, and includes an "industrial cooperation package" with Brazilian participation in developing and producing the plane, the company said.

Last year the Brazilian Air Force listed the Swedish-made jet fighter as a candidate to consider when it modernizes its fleet.

Likely rivals include the French-made Dassault Rafale and the F-18 Super Hornet made by US manufacturer Boeing.

In addition to Sweden, Jas Gripen jets have been bought or leased by South Africa, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Thailand has ordered six planes and Gripen International presented an offer to India for 126 jet fighters in April 2008.

Norway in December rejected the Swedish-made fighter, opting for the US F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). dpa