STOCKHOLM- Saab rolled out the first Gripen F fighter for the Brazilian Air Force on 2 June during a ceremony at its facilities in Linköping, marking a milestone in a long-running partnership with Brazilian industry.
The two-seat aircraft combines conversion training and combat capability on one platform, a design built to speed pilot preparation while boosting operational performance for modern air forces.
Saab Reveals Gripen F for Brazilian Air Force
The rollout of the first Gripen F represents a major achievement in the long-standing partnership between Saab, Brazilian industry, and the Brazilian Air Force.
The aircraft was developed through a collaborative programme that extends beyond procurement and includes industrial participation, technology transfer, and joint development.
Brazil’s involvement in the project has enabled direct participation in the design and development of the two-seat variant.
Through Saab’s extensive technology transfer programme, hundreds of Brazilian engineers and technicians have received advanced training, strengthening the country’s aerospace expertise and expanding the capabilities of its national industrial base.
Lars Tossman, Head of Saab’s Business Area Aeronautics, described the rollout as a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry, and the Brazilian Air Force.
He stated that the programme reflects the deep trust built through years of cooperation and demonstrates the maturity of the partnership.
According to Tossman, the Gripen F represents both a highly capable fighter aircraft and the tangible result of sustained joint development and shared ambition.
Designed for Training and Combat Operations
The Gripen F is the dual-seat version of the Gripen E and has been developed to support both pilot training and operational missions.
The aircraft delivers the same world-class performance, advanced sensors, and revolutionary architecture found in the single-seat Gripen E.
A key feature of the Gripen F is its fully independent second cockpit, which allows instructor-guided missions in a fully operational fighter aircraft.
This capability enables trainee pilots to gain experience in realistic mission environments while operating alongside experienced instructors.
The aircraft significantly accelerates pilot conversion and preparatory training compared with conventional training timelines.
By combining training and combat functionality on a single platform, air forces can improve readiness while reducing the time required to prepare pilots for frontline operations.
Enhanced Operational Effectiveness
Beyond training, the Gripen F provides additional operational advantages in complex combat environments.
The presence of two crew members allows workload sharing during demanding missions, improving situational awareness and mission management.
The aircraft is designed for an era of rapid transformation in military aviation, where information processing, coordination, and decision-making are increasingly important.
Shared mission responsibilities between pilot and instructor or weapons systems officer can enhance effectiveness in high-threat scenarios while supporting more efficient mission execution.
Progress of Brazil’s Gripen Programme
The contract signed between Saab and the Brazilian government in 2014 covers the development and production of 36 Gripen fighter aircraft.
The agreement includes 28 Gripen E single-seat fighters and 8 Gripen F two-seat fighters.
Deliveries began in 2020, and Saab has handed over 11 aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force to date.
The rollout of the first Gripen F marks another important step in fulfilling the programme and expanding Brazil’s operational and training capabilities.
Flight Test
Before final delivery to the Brazilian Air Force, the first Gripen F will be transferred to Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden.
The aircraft will undergo a dedicated flight test campaign to validate its systems, performance, and operational readiness.
The testing programme will support certification activities and ensure the aircraft meets all required performance standards before entering service.
Growing International Interest
The Gripen F programme has also attracted interest beyond Brazil. Saab has secured additional orders for the dual-seat fighter from Thailand and Colombia, reflecting growing international demand for an aircraft that combines advanced training capabilities with frontline combat performance.
These orders demonstrate confidence in the Gripen F’s ability to support both pilot development and operational missions while maintaining the performance standards expected from a modern multirole fighter.
Strategic Importance
The introduction of the Gripen F strengthens the Gripen family by offering a versatile platform capable of supporting training, combat operations, and mission command functions.
The aircraft showcases the benefits of international industrial cooperation while providing air forces with a practical solution for accelerating pilot readiness and improving operational effectiveness.
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