Saab says did not request extension from Brazil

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Swedish defense and aerospace firm Saab (SAABb.ST) on Tuesday denied it had requested an extended deadline from Brazil's air force in the tender for the country's next generation fighter jets.

Saab's top executive Ake Svensson told a press conference Saab could have handed in the tender on Monday, when the company received notice that the bidding process would be prolonged another two weeks.

The Brazilian air force said in a statement on Monday Saab had asked for more time to present improved bids.

"We have made no such request," Svensson said. "We received information late on Monday the date had been set for October 2. We could have handed in (the offer) then."

The other two finalists in the bidding process are France's Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA) and U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co (BA.N).

Brazil is seeking a generous technology transfer offer and local assembly as part of a contract to buy 36 jet fighters. The deal could eventually rise to more than 100 aircraft.

Latin America's largest country has signed a strategic defense alliance with France, and the government has expressed preference for Dassault's Rafale plane.

But since the visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy in early September, Swedish and U.S. officials have tried to sway decision makers in Brazil in favor of Saab's Gripen and Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet, respectively.

Brazil's president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said the air force would analyze the proposals from a technological standpoint but that the final decision was his and that it would be political and strategic.

(Reporting by Victoria Klesty)