Akaer
Valuation
Privately held; Saab holds a minority stake (acquired 2014, increased subsequently). Specific ownership percentages not currently disclosed
Employees
~800-1,000 group-wide across aerospace, defense, and space units
Current Status
One of Brazil's most established aerospace integrators and the only Brazilian firm running the full development-to-production cycle for satellite cameras. Through subsidiary Opto Space & Defense (acquired from Opto Eletrônica in 2016), it supplies optical payloads for Brazilian Earth observation programs. As of Apr 2026, leading a Finep-funded private launch vehicle program with BRL 185.34M (~USD 37.7M) consortium contract.
Future Outlook
Near-term plans focus on completing the Montenegro MKI micro-launcher prototype demonstrators, expanding Opto Space & Defense's optical payload portfolio, and growing the Bahia Aerospace Technology Park production unit. Akaer continues to position itself as Brazil's primary sovereign space optics supplier.
Key Products
Recent Milestones
Awarded BRL 185.34M (~USD 37.7M) Finep contract to lead consortium developing Brazil's small satellite launch vehicle
Dec 2023
Opto 3UCAM camera captured first images aboard Brazil's VCUB1 satellite
Oct 2024
Signed multi-million-dollar contract with Embraer expanding production of structural parts for the C-390 Millennium and Praetor 600
Dec 2024
Selected by U.S. firm Radia to design the cockpit of the WindRunner cargo aircraft
Jun 2025
First Brazilian-produced Saab Gripen E rolled out at Embraer Gavião Peixoto facility, with Akaer continuing as a structural design partner
Mar 2026