As the article clearly says, this was an off-and-on deal rolling for years.

"Fan fact" the Brazilian government has been seating on this project to renew the aging Air Force's fleet since 1994.

And in 2001/2002 the contenters were (in no specific order):

    - Sukhoi Su-35
    - Eurofighter Typhoon
    - General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin F-16
    - Mikoyan MiG-29
    - Saab JAS 39 Gripen
    - McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet
    - Dassault Rafale