Saab Unveils First Brazil-Made Gripen E Fighter

Saab, Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) on March 25 officially presented the first supersonic Gripen E fighter aircraft produced in Brazil.

The Gripen E aircraft is produced at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility using a Brazilian and international supply chain, including aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s site in São Bernardo do Campo. A total of 14 additional aircraft under the current contract will follow the same production model.

Before delivery, the aircraft will undergo functional and flight testing. It will then join 10 aircraft already delivered to the First Defense Group (1st GDA) at Anápolis Air Force Base.

The Gripen E is designed for multi-mission roles including air defense, reconnaissance and strike operations. It incorporates avionics, sensors and mission systems that support operations in complex environments, along with network-based data sharing and sensor fusion capabilities for coordinated decision-making.

Under a 2014 agreement with the Brazilian government, 36 Gripen fighters — including 28 single-seat Gripen E and eight two-seat Gripen F — are being developed and produced. Deliveries began in 2020, with 11 aircraft handed over so far. Since February, the aircraft has been used in Quick Reaction Alert missions from Anápolis Air Force Base to support airspace security over the federal government district.