Saab has unveiled the first Gripen F fighter aircraft destined for the Brazilian Air Force during a rollout ceremony held at the company’s facilities in Linköping, Sweden, on June 2.
The Gripen F is the two-seat variant of the Gripen E and has been developed to meet the training and operational requirements of modern air forces. Combining advanced conversion training with full combat capability, the aircraft enables both roles to be carried out on a single platform.
As the launch customer, Brazil played a key role in the co-development of the Gripen F, contributing to the aircraft’s design while strengthening long-term industrial cooperation with Saab. Through a comprehensive technology transfer programme, hundreds of Brazilian engineers and technicians have received specialised training, helping to enhance the country’s aerospace design and development expertise.
“The rollout of Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force, reflecting the deep trust we have built together over many years,” said Lars Tossman, Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area. “Developing this aircraft together demonstrates the maturity of this collaboration. It delivers not only a highly capable fighter for the Brazilian Air Force, but also a tangible result of sustained joint development and shared ambition.”
Designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving security environment, the Gripen F offers the same advanced performance, sensors and architecture as the single-seat Gripen E. The addition of a fully independent second cockpit allows instructors to accompany trainee pilots on operational missions, providing realistic training conditions while maintaining full combat capability.
The dual-seat configuration is expected to accelerate pilot conversion and mission preparation compared with traditional training methods. It also enhances operational effectiveness in complex environments by enabling workload sharing and improved mission management between crew members.
Before entering service with the Brazilian Air Force, the aircraft will be transferred to Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden, where it will undergo a dedicated flight test campaign ahead of final delivery.
