First serial production Gripen Es for FAB fly in Brazil
One of the two Gripen E fighters, pictured on 6 April. (Photo: FAB/Sgt Müller Marin)
The FAB now awaits military certification for the first two serial production Gripen fighter aircraft out of 36 ordered from Saab.
The initial pair of serial production Gripen E single-seat fighters for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) arrived in the country on 1 April, manufacturer Saab announced on 6 April.
Saab added that the two aircraft (designated F-39 Gripen by the FAB) completed a 50-minute maiden flight in Brazil on 6 April.
The Gripens flew from Navegantes International Airport to the Gripen Flight Test Center at the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto.
Brazil ordered 36 Gripen E/F aircraft in 2014 for SEK 39.3 billion ($5.72 billion).
‘The new fighters will remain at the Gripen Flight Test Center until the aircraft obtain the Military Type Certificate,’ Saab noted in a statement. Afterwards, they will be transferred to Anápolis for the final stages of the delivery phase.
‘Brazil actively participates in the development, flight test campaign and production of fighter jets, as part of the broad technology transfer package to the Brazilian defence industry,’ said Jonas Hjelm, SVP and head of the Aeronautics business unit at Saab.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Airbus details A400M upgrade as second Indonesia aircraft delivery looms]()
World Defense Show 2026: Airbus details A400M upgrade as second Indonesia aircraft delivery looms
With the A400M set for a capability upgrade, Airbus officials are bullish about the aircraft and its market potential for both new and existing customers with the improvements geared towards meeting future requirements.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: CCA manufacturers eye growing opportunities in Asia-Pacific]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: CCA manufacturers eye growing opportunities in Asia-Pacific
Companies offering collaborative combat aircraft say there is a massive potential for countries adopting the capability in the Asia-Pacific region.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
