On June 2, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) unveiled the first delivered Gripen F, the two-seater variant of the 4.5-generation fighter jet, during an inauguration ceremony in Linköping, Sweden.
The aircraft is the first of eight Gripen F jets initially ordered in 2014. The acquisition is part of a joint program between Saab and the FAB aimed at modernizing Brazil’s air defense capabilities while fostering local production and development through partnerships with Brazilian aerospace companies Embraer, AEL Sistemas, and Akaer.
While this initial twin-seat unit was manufactured in Sweden, the program heavily emphasizes technology transfer. The single-seater Gripen E is already being produced at Embraer’s operational industrial plant in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, which has been delivering the variant since early 2026.
Exploring a Joint Innovation and Research Center
The strategic partnership between the FAB and the Swedish defense manufacturer is expected to extend beyond the joint development of the Gripen fighters.
Following the launch ceremony for the two-seater Gripen F-39F, Saab CEO Micael Johansson revealed that he is in discussions with Brazil’s Minister of Defense, José Múcio, regarding a memorandum of understanding to establish an innovation and research center in São José dos Campos, São Paulo.
“The Saab-Brazil partnership provides a rare end-to-end technology transfer, enabling sovereign design, development, production, maintenance, and flight testing capabilities in Brazil,” Johansson stated during a press conference. He highlighted that the Gripen F is the first twin-seat model developed entirely through the Saab-Embraer partnership.
Brazil Eyes 20 Additional Gripen Jets
Brazil has formally expressed interest in acquiring 20 more Gripen E and F fighters from Saab, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced on Thursday (4th of june).
Speaking at a joint press conference in Stockholm alongside Minister Múcio, Jonson noted that the additional aircraft would be manufactured in Brazil. This potential new acquisition would complement the original 36-aircraft order, which is scheduled to be fully delivered to the Brazilian Air Force by 2031.
The Strategic Importance of the Gripen F
The introduction of the Gripen F represents a crucial step in operational readiness for the Brazilian Air Force. The two-seater configuration enables the FAB to train pilots on the actual aircraft while maintaining full combat capability and mission flexibility.
The twin-seat design facilitates rapid training for Brazilian aviators, allowing experienced pilots to guide trainees using real equipment in combat-ready environments. Furthermore, the second seat allows for enhanced systems integration, providing the co-pilot or weapons systems officer with the ability to manage complex tactical systems and electronic warfare suites during active missions.
