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 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
-
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
-
France pushes for 80% workshare as FCAS programme nears critical development stage
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
-
US Air Force conducts climate testing with the T-7A Red Hawk
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.
-
US Navy acquires additional anti-submarine warfare kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft
The contract modification, awarded to Boeing, is worth $61.2 million and will support the US Navy’s (USN's) evolution of its P-8 Poseidon aircraft as continued upgrades are made to boost its capabilities and lethality.
-
Union slams “self-sabotage” of UK government over Typhoon production
The UK Ministry of Defence remains resolute that the Typhoon sits at the heart of the country’s air defence capabilities and is focused on the aircraft’s potential export orders, despite its continued focus on F-35 procurement.