Brazil becomes first 4th gen plus jet operator in South America
The Gripen procurement is part of the FAB’s FX-2 programme and was initiated during the newly elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s previous administration. (Photo: Saab)
Brazil became the first South American country to operate a fourth-generation-plus advanced combat jet by inaugurating its first Gripens.
The Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) First Air Defense Group (1st GDA) has begun operational activities of the first five Gripen E fighters (referred to as Gripen F-39 in Brazil).
This makes Brazil the first country in South America to operate a fourth-generation-plus advanced combat aircraft. Brazil is also the only country to operate the E variant of the Gripen besides Sweden.
The commencement of operational activities was preceded by a flight test phase that started in September 2020 with the arrival of a test aircraft in Brazil. The flight test phase was conducted at the Gripen Flight Test Center (GFTC) located at the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight]()
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.
-
![Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion]()
Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion
The UAE’s Edge Group has been positioning itself as a key defence and technology partner to Indonesia, where it has been focusing on naval platforms, UAVs and long-term industrial collaboration.
-
![Ghost Bat drone makes first deployment in latest milestone]()
Ghost Bat drone makes first deployment in latest milestone
In the past 18 months, Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial system (UAS) has achieved several milestones including teaming with manned aircraft, achieving 100 flight hours and training of first military pilot.
